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Tennessee Heritage
Tennesseans appreciate their history and heritage, from the music that moves us to the movers and shakers who changed history.
Explore the many historic homes and heritage towns, like the utopian village of Rugby, and museums that stand as reminders of Tennessee's rich past. Learn about the U.S. Presidents that called Tennessee home; visit Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, the only surviving residence of James K. Polk, and the Andrew Johnson Historic Site. Put yourself in the shoes of frontiersman David Crockett or learn about music pioneers like Elvis Presley and W.C. Handy, the father of the blues.
Historic Town of Cumberland Gap
"The Historic Town of Cumberland Gap is nestled at the foot of Cumberland Mountains inside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Breathtaking beauty and charming "Mayberry" atmosphere will greet you as you come into town.
First known as the "Gateway to the West", then as the strong hold during the Civil War, Cumberland Gap is now known for everything from ...more
City: Cumberland Gap, TN
Phone: 423-869-3860
Historic Town of Saltillo
"Visit Saltillo, an early river town with homes dating from the 1840s. Styles of architecture range from Greek Revival and Italianate influences to country farmhouses. Two cemeteries and a church pre-date the Civil ...more
City: Saltillo, TN
Phone: 800-552-3866
Historic Watertown Square
"Historic town square on the National Register of Historic Places. Arts and antiques shop. Excursion train, restaurant and bed and breakfast.
The square has changed very little since the turn of the century. You’ll find antiques, specialty stores and art galleries, plus unique places to grab a bite or have a cup of coffee.
Visit Jim's Antiques, Blue Tomato Market & ...more
City: Watertown, TN
Phone: (615) 237-9999
Holly Street Fire Hall
"This 1914 fire house was the first in the city built to house motorized fire vehicles, and its been continuously used as a fire hall since its construction. Its a beloved part of the neighborhood and a favorite spot for kids and families to ...more
City: Nashville, TN
Homestead Manor
"Much of the hard fighting in the Battle of Thompson;s Station took place on this property. The 1809 home sheltered many local women and children in its cellar as the battle took place. While watching the action from the cellar window, 17-year-old Alice Thompson saw the Confederate color-bearer shot down, and bolted from the house to lift up the flag. ...more
City: Thompson's Station, TN
Phone: 615-790-2309
Homesteads Tower Museum
"Showplace of FDR's New Deal Subsistence Homesteading. Tennessee's largest historic district, featuring a 1930s stone tower and farm life museum. ...more
City: Crossville, TN
Phone: 931-456-9663
Houston Museum of Decorative Arts
"This museum showcases Anna Safley Houston's remarkable collection of 18th-, 19th- and early 20th-century decorative art objects. "Antique Annie" was a colorful, enigmatic character, a red-haired country girl who amassed one of the world's finest collections of antique glass, as well as a "collection" of at least nine husbands. A savvy businesswoman until the Depression took its toll, she lived ...more
City: Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423-267-7176
Hundred Oaks Castle
"1800s historic structure. Former home of Governor Albert Marks. Several gardens, one designed by Rosemary Verey of ...more
City: Winchester, TN
Phone: 931-967-8583
Hunt Phelan Home
"Built mostly by slave labor in 1828, the Hunt-Phelan Home displays a rich and elegant past. Several hundred slaves were taught English by members of the Freedmen's Bureau at an on-site school house.
The house was built in two stages, the first in 1830 by George H. Wyatt. The second stage, circa 1851, added a two-story kitchen and service wing and ...more
City: Memphis, TN
Phone: 901-525-8225
James K. Polk Ancestral Home
"Built in 1816, the only surviving home of the eleventh U.S. President (other than the White House) now displays original belongings of President and Mrs. Polk.
It was here that James K. Polk began his legal and political career, living in this house until he was inaugurated 11th president of the United States in 1845. He was the first “dark horse” ...more
City: Columbia, TN
Phone: 931-388-2354
James Webb House
"(Private Residence) This two-story 1850 Italianate design residence originally sat on 500 acres of land granted to James Webb's father by the U.S. government, presumably for his service in the Revolutionary ...more
City: College Grove, TN
James White Fort
"James White, The Founder of Knoxville, came here in the early 1780's from North Carolina. He had fought in the Revolutionary War and was given a land grant of 1,000 acres for his service. He built his 2-story log house on the present site of Knoxville in 1786. Two years later he enclosed the house and other ...more
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: (865) 525-6514
James Wilhoite House
"(Private Residence) Also referred to as the Reed Corlette House, this 1877 Italianate-style residence was built by James Wilhoite, a successful farmer and tobacco factory owner known as one of the area's most successful merchants in the late ...more
City: College Grove, TN
Historic Rock Castle
"General Daniel and Sarah Smith's circa 1784 home. Smith acted as surveyor for the frontier, produced the state's first map and is credited with naming the state of Tennessee. The home features late eighteenth-century antiques and original pieces that belonged to the Smith family. The 18-acre site overlooks beautiful Old Hickory Lake. Daily guided tours are offered of Rock Castle. ...more
City: Hendersonville, TN
Phone: 615-824-0502
Historic Rugby Commissary
"Restored 1880 utopian village founded by famous British author, Thomas Hughes. 17 Victorian-era buildings remain unchanged, including a 7,000 volume Hughes Library & Christ Church Episcopal. Daily tours, museum shop, dining and lodging in historic buildings. Enjoy shopping at the shops of Rugby--The Commissary and the Spirit of Red Hill in the Board of Aid Historic ...more
City: Rugby, TN
Phone: (888) 214-3400
Historic Speedwell Academy
"Restored 1827 building. Retains much of its original aesthetics. Site of much activity during Civil War, it was used as both a hospital and headquarters for both sides. Grounds were called Campground Bluff during the war, and Confederate soldiers used the building's weathervane for target practice. The large "Long Tom" brass cannon was kept at the ...more
City: Speedwell, TN
Phone: 423-566-4679
Historic Town of Saltillo
"Visit Saltillo, an early river town with homes dating from the 1840s. Styles of architecture range from Greek Revival and Italianate influences to country farmhouses. Two cemeteries and a church pre-date the Civil ...more
City: Saltillo, TN
Phone: 800-552-3866
Historic Watertown Square
"Historic town square on the National Register of Historic Places. Arts and antiques shop. Excursion train, restaurant and bed and breakfast.
The square has changed very little since the turn of the century. You’ll find antiques, specialty stores and art galleries, plus unique places to grab a bite or have a cup of coffee.
Visit Jim's Antiques, Blue Tomato Market & ...more
City: Watertown, TN
Phone: (615) 237-9999
Homesteads Tower Museum
"Showplace of FDR's New Deal Subsistence Homesteading. Tennessee's largest historic district, featuring a 1930s stone tower and farm life museum. ...more
City: Crossville, TN
Phone: 931-456-9663
Houston Museum of Decorative Arts
"This museum showcases Anna Safley Houston's remarkable collection of 18th-, 19th- and early 20th-century decorative art objects. "Antique Annie" was a colorful, enigmatic character, a red-haired country girl who amassed one of the world's finest collections of antique glass, as well as a "collection" of at least nine husbands. A savvy businesswoman until the Depression took its toll, she lived ...more
City: Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423-267-7176
Hundred Oaks Castle
"1800s historic structure. Former home of Governor Albert Marks. Several gardens, one designed by Rosemary Verey of ...more
City: Winchester, TN
Phone: 931-967-8583
Hunter Museum of American Art
"You've never had an art appreciation experience like this. The Hunter is for the entire family to enjoy. Together, you will see art with new eyes as a way to better understand American history and to learn more about what makes us Americans ...more
City: Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423-267-0968
International Friendship Bell
"The first monument between a U.S. Manhattan Project city and Japan, it serves as an expression of hope for everlasting peace and friendship. Stop by and ring the bell and pause to remember those who have sacrificed so much for the ...more
City: Oak Ridge, TN
Phone: 800-887-3429
Jake Legg's Lost State Tours
"Experience Johnson City like you never have before. Hear historical tales about our town that you may have NEVER known. You'll get some good old fashioned, mostly true, historical-like fact and you're sure to have some not so old fashioned FUN - all on board our unique rail car ...more
City: Johnson City, TN
Phone: 423-557-4248
James K. Polk Ancestral Home
"Built in 1816, the only surviving home of the eleventh U.S. President (other than the White House) now displays original belongings of President and Mrs. Polk.
It was here that James K. Polk began his legal and political career, living in this house until he was inaugurated 11th president of the United States in 1845. He was the first “dark horse” ...more
City: Columbia, TN
Phone: 931-388-2354
James White Fort
"James White, The Founder of Knoxville, came here in the early 1780's from North Carolina. He had fought in the Revolutionary War and was given a land grant of 1,000 acres for his service. He built his 2-story log house on the present site of Knoxville in 1786. Two years later he enclosed the house and other ...more
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: (865) 525-6514
Jefferson County Museum & Archives
"Built in 1845, this antebellum courthouse has never suffered a fire and retains all original county documents back to 1792. During the Civil War the courthouse served as a hospital. This story and others is told in the county history museum located inside the courthouse.
Staffed by 15 volunteers who preserve all historical records. Museum houses a wide array of ...more
City: Dandridge, TN
Phone: 865-397-4904
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Upcoming events
Date: May 17, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Memphis in May - BBQ
Location: Memphis, TN
Date: May 17, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Big Bubba's Make-A-Wish Celebrity Softball Game, Family Night and Softball Tournament 2013
Location: Hendersonville, TN
Date: May 17, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Annual Smoky Mountain Classic Chevy Roundup
Location: Pigeon Forge, TN
See more May events »
Land of Blue Smoke
The wispy, smoke-like fog that hangs over the Smoky Mountains comes from rain and evaporation from trees. On the high peaks of the Smokies, an average of 85 inches of rain falls yearly, qualifying the upper elevations as temperate rain forests.
