Built In The 1700's, Historic Rock Castle Is The Oldest House In Middle Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Published October 18, 2021
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
If you ever find yourself itching for a bit of adventure, you only have to drive a short way outside of Nashville to find it. Along the Cumberland River, in the sleepy suburb of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Historic Rock Castle sits strong and proud in a quiet neighborhood of lush lawns and waving neighbors. The frontier home has long captured the imagination of locals, and it’s here outside of Music City that you can experience the oldest house in Middle Tennessee for yourself.
Rock Castle is actually the oldest house in Middle Tennessee, and once operated as the main home of Daniel Smith. The Sumner County structure was completed in 1796 and continues to welcome visitors as a state historic site.
Daniel Smith, the home's original owner, was a member of the committee that framed the United States Bill of Rights, and he also was a colonel in the Revolutionary War. After his military career and time negotiating treaties with local Cherokee Native Americans, Smith created maps of Tennessee and Kentucky. Fun fact? Andrew Jackson was his Tennessee neighbor!
Today, the home is utilized as a history museum and event space. Seasonal experiences are offered throughout the year, and you can also choose to rent the area for your own private event.
Can't you just imagine how dreamy it must be to share a meal under this forested canopy? The Nashville Symphony by the Lake is hosted on the property, as well as Summer Songwriter Nights and the Winter House Concert Series.
You can visit for yourself from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and from 1 until 5 p.m. on Sundays. Tour reservations can be made throughout the week as well, and admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children.
What a beautiful place to visit! Have you ever explored the oldest house in Middle Tennessee? You can find out more about the Historic Rock Castle either at its official website or Facebook page.