Infused with rich history and architectural grandeur, the breathtaking historical homes and properties in our community offer a window into the past. Each one tells a unique story of the people and events that shaped our area. As we step through their doors and wander the grounds, we not only admire their beauty but also recognize their foundational role in preserving the history, culture and character of our local area.
Historic Mansker’s Station
705 Caldwell Drive, Goodlettsville
Standing as one of the most historically accurate reconstructed forts in the nation, Mansker’s Station provides a captivating glimpse into the lives of Tennessee’s first settlers. Built in 1779 by long hunter Kasper Mansker, the original fort played a pivotal role in our area’s early history, serving as a refuge for settlers during the volatile years of the Tennessee frontier.
Located in what is now Goodlettsville, this fort was not only a defense against Native American raids but also the foundation of a thriving community. Over time, Mansker’s Station evolved from a simple fort into a bustling village and then a town, eventually becoming part of modern-day Goodlettsville.
Today, the reconstructed fort stands as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the early settlers. Visitors can explore a variety of historically accurate structures while engaging in hands-on activities that reflect the daily life of the 18th century. Whether learning about the tools used by early pioneers or observing traditional crafting techniques, Historic Mansker’s Station offers a unique, immersive experience that brings Tennessee’s early history to life, making it a must-visit destination.
Hawthorn Hill
195 Old Highway 25, Castalian Springs
Hawthorn Hill, constructed in 1806, is a historic Federal-style brick house that holds deep ties to early Tennessee history. Originally built by John Bearden, the property was sold in 1817 to Colonel Humphrey Bate, a War of 1812 veteran. It remained in the Bates family until 1936, passing through generations that contributed significantly to the region’s cultural development.
One of Hawthorn Hill’s most notable features is its connection to Dr. Humphrey Howell Bate Jr., Colonel Bate’s grandson, an influential figure in the world of early country music. Bate was the leader of “Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters,” a pioneering old-time string band. Bate, who played the harmonica, learned his craft from one of the formerly enslaved workers on the property. His band made history as the first old-time string band to perform at the newly established Grand Ole Opry, cementing their place in country music history.
The house also played a role in showcasing the talents of Bate’s daughter, Alycone Bate, who was the first woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, playing the ukulele. Today, Hawthorn Hill stands as both a significant architectural landmark and a symbol of the rich musical heritage that shaped Tennessee’s cultural legacy.
Wynnewood
210 Old Highway 25, Castalian Springs
Wynnewood is a remarkable example of early frontier architecture and a key historical site reflecting the beginnings of colonization in the Old South. Built circa 1830 by Alfred R. Wynne, Stephen Roberts, and William Cage, the estate was constructed using materials abundant on the property. The site is particularly significant as a well-preserved example of vernacular architecture from the frontier period.
Wynnewood’s location, centered around natural sulphur mineral springs, made it a popular destination for westward travelers, who often stopped here as part of their journey. Over the years, it has served as a mineral springs resort, a stagecoach rest stop, and for over 140 years, the operational center of the Wynne family farm. The estate’s main house, a striking display of craftsmanship, also operated as a seasonal spa where visitors sought the supposed healing properties of the local springs.
Today, Wynnewood stands as a collection of six original log buildings, each offering insight into the region’s early settlement and the lives of those who shaped its development. The site preserves an important chapter in Tennessee’s history, showcasing both the architectural style of the period and the social and economic roles the estate played in the early days of the American frontier.
Douglass-Clark House
2115 Long Hollow Pike, Gallatin
The Douglass-Clark House, built around 1786 for Elmore Douglass and his family, holds a rich and complex history. Located in the heart of Sumner County, it served as both a home and a pivotal site in our area’s early development. From 1788 to 1790, the house also functioned as one of the county’s first courthouses, witnessing crucial moments in the formation of local governance.
In the years that followed, the house passed into the hands of the Clark family, who would experience the turbulent years leading up to the Civil War. In 1861, as the nation teetered on the brink of conflict, the Clarks watched the declaration of war unfold. Four members of their family ultimately enlisted to fight for the Confederacy.
The history of slavery is also deeply tied to the Douglass-Clark House. Records show that enslaved individuals lived and worked on the property as early as 1790. Today, the Douglass-Clark House stands as a powerful testament to the past, inviting visitors to hear the stories of these generations and reflect upon how their lives shaped our area and world today.