From Frontier to Plantation
There are an amazing number of historic homes in our area, both private and open to the public for tours. Most were built when Tennessee was settled, during the post-Revolutionary War period, prior to the Civil War.
Click here to download our Frontier to Plantation brochure.
Open daily from daylight to dusk. Free.
The self-guided walking tour of the park guides you through the shaded hills retracing the pioneer footprints along the Avery Trace, the first road leading into Middle Tennessee. The tour continues past the 1890's Parker Cabin, the Hugh Rogan stone cottage, and the Cavern of Skulls. Also visit the cemetery where brothers Anthony and Isaac Bledsoe are buried. The tour is interpreted by signs providing historical information relating to the sites. Picnic pavilion and restrooms on site.
Each May visit the Colonial Fair at Bledsoe Fort Historic Park. See our Events calendar for more information.
Cold Springs School & Museum
Richland Park
Portland Road
Portland TN 37148
615-325-9032
Open by Appointment Only
Built in 1857, this one-room school house was originally located near the Cold Springs that created Portland's city lake. Camp Trousdale, a Confederate Training Camp during the Civil War, was moved to the Cold Springs site to provide water for the troops. In time Cold Springs School became a hospital for soldiers at Camp Trousdale. Cold Springs School re-opened for students after the War.
The school is now located in Richland Park and is restored as a museum of local history. Included in its collection is a display of Civil War memorabilia.
Cragfont
200 Cragfont Road
Castalian Springs TN 37031
615-452-7070
Hours of Operation
April - October
Tues - Sat 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sun 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Considered the finest house on the Tennessee frontier, Cragfont was completed in 1802. It was built by General James Winchester, one of the founders of Memphis. The mansion contains a ballroom on the second floor, the first in the Tennessee country. Andrew Jackson & Sam Houston were frequent guests at the parties hosted by the Winchesters.
Each April, Cragfont sponsors the annual Pilgrimage of Homes. Check our calendar of events for more information.
Available for special events and weddings by appointment.
Historic Mansker's Station
705 Caldwell Lane
Moss Wright Park
Goodlettsville TN 37072
615-859-3678
Hours of Operation
Tues - Sat 9:00am - 4:00pm
(Admission includes Mansker's Fort and the Bowen Plantation House. Last tour begins at 4:00)
An authentic reconstruction of the 1779 frontier forted station, Manskers Fort allows you to experience the lifestyle of early settlers in the 18th century through living history demonstrations.
On the same property is the oldest standing brick structure in middle Tennessee, the Bowen Plantation House, built in 1787.
Living History encampments are scheduled throughout the year. See our events calendar for more information.
Monthaven
1154 West Main Street
Hendersonville TN 37075
615-822-0789
Hours of Operation
Mon - Fri 9:00am - 3:00pm
An historic antebellum home, built circa 1860, Monthaven was used as a field hospital during the Civil War. It now houses the galleries and offices of the Hendersonville Arts Council.
See their website for classes, special events and other activities.
Palace Theater
112 Public Square
Gallatin TN 37066
615-452-5692
Tours by appointment.
Located in Historic Downtown Gallatin, the completely restored Palace Theater is the oldest silent movie theater still standing in the South. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts a variety of shows, movies and events.
Current run movies shown every Friday and Saturday night.
Call 615-230-0884 to find out what's playing!
Rock Castle
139 Rock Castle Lane
Hendersonville TN 37075
615-824-0502
Hours of Operation
Year Round - Call for Winter Hours
Tues- Sat 9:00am - 5:00pm
General Daniel acted as surveyor for the Tennessee frontier, produced the state's first map and is credited with naming the state. The circa 1794 home sits on an 18 acre tract overlooking Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville.
Daniel Smith Days, a re-enactment and community fair is held each October. See our calendar of events section for specific information.
Available for special events and weddings by appointment.
Rose Mont
810 South Water Avenue
Gallatin TN 37066
615-451-2331
Hours of Operation
April 15th - October 31st
Tues - Sat 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday 1:00am - 4:00pm
Built by Josephus Conn Guild in the 1830's, Rose Mont is recognized as one of Tennessee's outstanding Greek Revival houses. Rose Mont was once the site of the area's largest thoroughbred horse farm with 500 acres. It remained in the Guild family until 1993, when it was purchased by the City of Gallatin and the Rose Mont Restoration Foundation.
Available for special events and weddings by appointment.
Sumner County Museum
183 W. Main Street
Gallatin TN 37066
615-451-3738
Hours of Operation
Wed-Sat 9:00am - 4:30pm
Sun 1:00pm - 4:30pm
The museum exhibits over 250,000 artifacts housed on three floors. The collection includes pre-historic fossils, Native American and African American artifacts, antique toys, cars, clothing and furniture.
The museum also includes displays on Randy's Record Store, the USS Sumner County, and the Roxy Theater.
Trousdale Place
183 West Main Street
Gallatin, TN 37066
615-452-5648
Open by appointment.
The historic home of former Tennessee Governor William Trousdale. Built around 1813, the house contains original Trousdale furniture and a small Confederate library.
Available for special events and weddings by appointment.
Call 615-394-8903 to schedule.
Wynnewood
Hwy 25
Castalian Springs TN 37031
615-452-5463
Wynnewood is temporarily closed due to severe damage from a tornado on February 5, 2008.
A re-opening date has not been determined.
Standing two stories tall and 142 feet long, Wynnewood is likely the largest log structure ever constructed in Tennessee. Built in 1828 by Col. A.R. Wynne, it served as a stage coach inn and later as a mineral springs resort. It remained in the Wynne family until 1971, when it was conveyed to the State of Tennessee.