The United States Geographic Names System classifies Corryton as a populated place.

The community remained primarily agricultural until the construction of the Knoxville, Cumberland Gap and Louisville Railroad through the area in the late 1880s.

"[7] In 1887, a developer named Corryton Woodbury purchased property surrounding the rail depot to grow the community into a suburban town.

[8] The lots failed to sell, and the venture was unsuccessful, with the community remaining a predominantly rural hamlet.

[9] On April 25, 1983, Thomas Knauff set an FAI world record flying a glider on an out-and-return course of 1,646.68 km (1,023.20 mi), releasing from tow over Williamsport Regional Airport in Pennsylvania, flying south along the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians to take a turn-point photograph of the Little Flat Creek Church in Corryton, then returning for a landing after a 10-hour flight.