Wealthy Irish immigrant William Dickson used a team of highly skilled Irish artisans and slaves to build this high Federal style mansion in 1821 for his only child, Catherine. In 1823 Catherine and her new husband, Dr. Alexander Williams, began a life of lavish entertaining. Guests at the mansion included three presidents, the Marquis de Lafayette, and David Crockett. The house changed hands several times during the Civil War, commandeered by both sides. While Confederate General John Hunt Morgan was staying there, Mrs. Lucy Williams (Catherine's daughter-in-law) supposedly reported him and Union troops ambushed and killed him. Catherine Williams was devastated by the General's death and left her home shortly after the war ended.
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