The days are getting longer and the weather is warming as spring has finally arrived. Most historic sites in Gallatin and Sumner County are now open for the 2023 season! Sumner County is rich in history, making the Sumner County Museum a great place to start exploring. The museum is located a block from Gallatin’s downtown square at 183 W. Main Street, directly behind Trousdale Place, yet another historic Sumner County treasure! The Sumner County Museum has been around since 1981 thanks to the initial efforts of local businessmen John Garrott, Robert Ramsey and others, and is full of artifacts that tell stories about our local past. Some of the museum’s exhibits include Native Americans, Longhunters, blacksmithing, textiles, tinsmithing, gunsmithing, war, clothing, farming and agriculture, the Sumner County Drive-In, transportation and so much more. One can even find Gallatin’s first stop light and first pump fire engine in the basement. Did you know the world’s first airmail delivery was made from Nashville to Gallatin in 1877? Swing by to find out what was used to make that delivery. The Sumner County Museum hosts several events each year, including the Stonewall Food and Music Festival on April 15th and Pistols, Petals, & Pearls on May 20th. The museum also offers educational programming including the Hidden History Passport and the Traveling Trunk. To learn more about these events, and programs or how to get involved, send an email to contact@sumnercountymuseum.org or visit the website, sumnercountymuseum.org.
Cragfont
Cragfont was the home of General James Winchester, a brigadier general in the War of 1812. He also co-founded Memphis. The home is located in Castalian Springs at 200 Cragfont Road. The house sits atop a bluff overlooking Bledsoe Creek and was built between 1798 and 1802. It is said to be the finest mansion built on the Tennessee frontier at that time. Cragfont is open April through October. For more information on events and happenings, visit their website, historiccastaliansprings.org.
Historic Rose Mont
Historic Rose Mont is a Palladian, Greek revival mansion built by Judge Josephus Conn Guild in 1836 on his plantation of 500 local acres. It is located at 810 South Water Avenue in Gallatin. The name Rose Mont stems from the once exquisite rose garden that was located on the north side of the home. What is now a bridal suite overlooks a smaller replication of the original rose garden. Check out historicrosemont.org for more information.
Trousdale Place
Trousdale Place is a handsome Federal-style, two-story brick house nestled in the heart of downtown Gallatin at 183 West Main Street. It was built by John Bowen around 1813 and purchased in 1822 by William Trousdale, Governor of Tennessee from 1849-1851. William was known as the warhorse of Sumner County. He also owned the land purchased to found the City of Gallatin. To learn more, or to schedule a tour, check out their Facebook page, or call 615-452-5648.
Stonewall
Historic Stonewall was built in the 1830s by Dr. Levi Ring, headmaster of Transmontania Academy and donated to the museum by founder John Garrott in 2015. Stonewall is available for overnight stays allowing guests to immerse themselves in history with modern-day comforts. It’s furnished as it would have been in the 1850s with modern bedding and bath accommodations. Guests have use of the entire home. Check it out at sumnercountymuseum.org or view the listing on Airbnb.
