Sam E. Hill Park History

Sam E. Hill was a member of the City Commission from 1912-1919. During it 1911 session, the Tennessee General Assembly legislated a change in the charter of the City of Knoxville, which became effective January 1, 1912. It abolished the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Board of Public Works and created instead a Board of Commissioners. The commission form of government was considered progressive public administration. It was designed to combine policymaking and administration in a single body. Sam E. Hill was the first Commissioner for Accounts and Finance. He was also a state senator.