Controversy Over Pole With American Flag In Sevier County Has Residents Asking Lots Of Questions

Image Credit: Michelle Jinnette

The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –

Camping World invested about twenty million dollars to build a magnificent retail facility near the intersection of Interstate 40 and Route 66 in Sevier County, which now includes a gigantic 3200 square foot American Flag on a 130-foot-tall flagpole.

The city of Sevierville has cited the business for a zoning violation because the pole is too tall. 

According to the Citation pictured below, the maximum allowable height is 44 feet.

Hundreds of patriotic citizens in the region are asking why Camping World was denied a variance on the length of the flagpole given the fact that it is located in a remote area away from air traffic and other systems that could be impacted by the American flag and pole.

Several people have stated that, if allowed to stand, the oversized flag would serve as a symbol of East Tennessee’s patriotic spirit to all who pass by the intersection that carries millions of visitors annually to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

They ask why would the City of Sevierville force the business to place the American flag on a shorter pole?

Dumplin Valley Road, where the business is located, is adjacent to the interstate, a sports facility, and other establishments with tall signs, utility poles, and lighting poles. 

The Tennessee Conservative News reached out to Camping World and to the Sevierville Code Enforcement Officer on Wednesday February 5, 2025, for comment and questions.

Camping World referred this reporter to a statement published by its CEO Marcus Lemonis who stated on his X Platform that he has no intention of removing the flag or pole.

The Sevierville Codes Enforcement Department has not returned our calls as of publication time of this news report.

This publication is seeking information on any potential punitive action that may be taken against Camping World by the City of Sevierville. Contact david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.

A local veteran has weighed in on the issue and states the sentiment of many local residents that have contacted the Tennessee Conservative News concerning the flag issue.

“I respectfully request that the City of Sevierville’s board of zoning appeals reconsider its decision. As long as the flagpole and flag pose no safety concern and have been cleared by the FAA, what would be the reason for denying a variance?  While I don’t believe the city is trying to make any kind of statement by denying the request, it’s hard for me to understand the rationale.  I’ve personally seen the flag as I drive along I-40 and feel incredible pride in East Tennessee for displaying Old Glory so prominently.  Let it fly!” – said Colonel Craig J. Knierim, USAF, Retired

Updates will be published as new information becomes available.

About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.