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Legends
The Greeneville and Greene County, Tennessee area is rich in legendary history. David Crockett was born here. Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, lived here for most of his life.
Andrew Johnson
Born in Raleigh, NC. Johnson spent most of his life in Greeneville, TN. He is most known for being 17th President of the United States.
The Van Vactor Family
"Ellen "Nelly" VanVactor was one of the first free women of color to own real estate in Greeneville. Throughout Tennessee, there were few landowners of her race and gender prior to 1830. Born a slave in Virginia in 1780, Nelly arrived here in 1818 with Benjamin VanVactor as well as her children. Benjamin's housekeeper, Nelly inherited his estate in 1822, by which time she had been freed. She bought her first real estate the following year. By 1837 she owned six town lots."
Davy Crockett
David Crockett, also known as Davy Crockett, was an American frontiersman, soldier, and politician who lived from 1786 to 1836. He was born in Tennessee and became famous for his adventures and exploits as a hunter, trapper, and fighter. He served in the Tennessee State Legislature, the United States Congress, and as a colonel in the Texas Revolution.
Crockett is perhaps best known for his role in the Battle of the Alamo, where he fought and died alongside other defenders of the mission in San Antonio, Texas. He became a folk hero and a symbol of American bravery and independence, and his exploits and adventures have been the subject of numerous books, movies, and TV shows.
Crockett is perhaps best known for his role in the Battle of the Alamo, where he fought and died alongside other defenders of the mission in San Antonio, Texas. He became a folk hero and a symbol of American bravery and independence, and his exploits and adventures have been the subject of numerous books, movies, and TV shows.
Greetings from Greeneville Mural
Stroll our mural trail that pays respects to our history and nods to the products and people that have made Greeneville nationally recognized.
Samuel Doak House
The Doak House Museum preserves and shares the history of Tusculum College and its co-founder, Reverend Samuel Witherspoon Doak. The home was built around 1830 and Tusculum is notable as the oldest college in the state of Tennessee.
The Dickson-Williams Mansion
William Dickson was a wealthy Irish immigrant who immigrated to America in 1790. After marrying and settling in Greeneville TN, he began one of his greatest projects yet - building an exquisite showhome for his only child, his daughter, Catherine Dickson. The home took 6 years to construct (1815-1821).
Catherine married and gave birth to 10 children, with only 4 reaching adulthood - one daughter and three sons.
In 1852, Catherine's husband, Dr. Andrew Williams, died and left the entire estate to Catherine.
In 1860, the Confederate States of America was formed. Tennessee originally voted to stay with the Union, but after the attack on Fort Sumter, a second vote was taken in 1861, and at the point, Tennessee succeeded. Interestingly enough, Greene County voters overwhelmingly rejected succession both times votes were cast.
During the Civil War, the "Showplace of the South" welcomed famous guests and influential generals from both sides of the war. Catherine lived in a house divided, with sons fighting on both sides of the war. Every time a battalion would be encroaching on county lines, citizens would run to town and change out the flag - Union and Confederate - to avoid being shelled by the enemy. Greene County changed hands in the war over 50 times!
The Mansion was the grounds on which Confederate Calvary Commander John Hunt Morgan died in 1864. He was used to living a lavish lifestyle and stayed at the Mansion against advisors' notes. The Union soldiers expected him to stay there based off of his reputation and attacked the home, killing General Morgan in the gardens.
https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/edit/df21dadf-8f95-4e7b-9503-6fadc5df0f7d?metaSiteId=d425f57a-6b77-4422-8f39-8c36f6eff84b
Catherine married and gave birth to 10 children, with only 4 reaching adulthood - one daughter and three sons.
In 1852, Catherine's husband, Dr. Andrew Williams, died and left the entire estate to Catherine.
In 1860, the Confederate States of America was formed. Tennessee originally voted to stay with the Union, but after the attack on Fort Sumter, a second vote was taken in 1861, and at the point, Tennessee succeeded. Interestingly enough, Greene County voters overwhelmingly rejected succession both times votes were cast.
During the Civil War, the "Showplace of the South" welcomed famous guests and influential generals from both sides of the war. Catherine lived in a house divided, with sons fighting on both sides of the war. Every time a battalion would be encroaching on county lines, citizens would run to town and change out the flag - Union and Confederate - to avoid being shelled by the enemy. Greene County changed hands in the war over 50 times!
The Mansion was the grounds on which Confederate Calvary Commander John Hunt Morgan died in 1864. He was used to living a lavish lifestyle and stayed at the Mansion against advisors' notes. The Union soldiers expected him to stay there based off of his reputation and attacked the home, killing General Morgan in the gardens.
https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/edit/df21dadf-8f95-4e7b-9503-6fadc5df0f7d?metaSiteId=d425f57a-6b77-4422-8f39-8c36f6eff84b
Timber Ridge Presbyterian
There was indeed a time when Timber Ridge was the western most church on the American frontier.
"The church was founded 11 years before Tennessee became a state, and it was actually part of three other states before Tennessee became a state in 1796.
"It was part of the State of Franklin initially, then it was part of North Carolina, then a part of the Territory South of the River Ohio before it finally became a part of Tennessee."
Timber Ridge, the oldest rural church and second oldest church in Greene County, was founded by the early Scotch-Irish pioneers who settled here while this area was still a part of North Carolina. The congregation was organized by 1785 or 1786 and became an official Presbyterian body in 1787, with the Reverend James Balch as pastor.
"The church was founded 11 years before Tennessee became a state, and it was actually part of three other states before Tennessee became a state in 1796.
"It was part of the State of Franklin initially, then it was part of North Carolina, then a part of the Territory South of the River Ohio before it finally became a part of Tennessee."
Timber Ridge, the oldest rural church and second oldest church in Greene County, was founded by the early Scotch-Irish pioneers who settled here while this area was still a part of North Carolina. The congregation was organized by 1785 or 1786 and became an official Presbyterian body in 1787, with the Reverend James Balch as pastor.
Greene County Century Farms
Greene County has 68 Century Farms, some of which are seasonally open to the public for authentic experiences. Open farms include Horse Creek Farm, Buffalo Trail Farm, Myers Farm, and Still Hollow Farms to name just a few.
Greene County: Tread where the legends wander.
Great hiking locations include Viking Mountain View and the Appalachian Trail. Paint Creek Recreation Area and Horse Creek Recreation also offer outdoor relief - managed by the U.S. Forest Service as a part of the Cherokee National Forest!
Historic Earnest Fort House in Chuckey, TN
"Constructed for Henry and Mary Earnest between 1779 and 1784, the Earnest Fort House is one of the oldest buildings in Tennessee and one of the few remaining examples of this farmhouse type in the region. While there is no evidence that the dwelling ever served as a frontier fort, the three-story log and stone structure has intrigued historians and the public for decades."
Bible Covered Bridge
Built in 1923, the bridge stretches across Little Chuckey Creek at a ford that connects the Bible farm with the Warrensburg Road. In 1948, the bridge was deeded to Greene County, and in 1975 it became a historical structure.
St. James Episcopal Church
"Organized in 1842, a small group of Episcopalians gathered to establish the “Greeneville Parish, Greene County.” They were admitted in 1848 to the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee, and subsequently were approved as a formal parish at the diocesan convention in July 1849.
The parish constructed its present church building in 1850, modified it in 1894, and further enlarged the structure in 1951. It is said to be one of Tennessee's oldest churches and registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
Between 1852 and 1901, St. James experienced great turmoil, having to close its doors for 18 months from 1873 to 1875. During this period St. James lapsed into mission status and did not regain its standing as a parish until 1957.
St. James experienced growth over the years both spiritually and physically. While all churches at the turn of this century faced new challenges, St. James remained a stable continuing reminder of God’s love in Greeneville."
The parish constructed its present church building in 1850, modified it in 1894, and further enlarged the structure in 1951. It is said to be one of Tennessee's oldest churches and registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
Between 1852 and 1901, St. James experienced great turmoil, having to close its doors for 18 months from 1873 to 1875. During this period St. James lapsed into mission status and did not regain its standing as a parish until 1957.
St. James experienced growth over the years both spiritually and physically. While all churches at the turn of this century faced new challenges, St. James remained a stable continuing reminder of God’s love in Greeneville."
Asbury United Methodist Church
"Methodism in Greene County dates back to the early 1790s.
In 1865 the Methodists in Greeneville “lived” in a few different locations but purchased and established a more permanent spot in 1875.
In 1893 a parsonage was built beside the church. In 1910, the church was moved to the lower end of Summer Street to make room for a new church building, and the parsonage was moved behind the new church.
The current church building was started in 1911 under a different name.
With the growing congregation, again the church was forced to expand, and in 1952, an additional 3-story building was placed. 1954 the sanctuary was remodeled. The parsonage was torn down in 1959 for additional parking space.
The chapel was completed in 1986. New advancements were made again in 1997 and 2005.
In 2012, Asbury celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the church building with a lay portraying the events of 1912 and the building of the church and a book detailing the History of the Church. In 2018 a new organ was added to the sanctuary."
In 1865 the Methodists in Greeneville “lived” in a few different locations but purchased and established a more permanent spot in 1875.
In 1893 a parsonage was built beside the church. In 1910, the church was moved to the lower end of Summer Street to make room for a new church building, and the parsonage was moved behind the new church.
The current church building was started in 1911 under a different name.
With the growing congregation, again the church was forced to expand, and in 1952, an additional 3-story building was placed. 1954 the sanctuary was remodeled. The parsonage was torn down in 1959 for additional parking space.
The chapel was completed in 1986. New advancements were made again in 1997 and 2005.
In 2012, Asbury celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the church building with a lay portraying the events of 1912 and the building of the church and a book detailing the History of the Church. In 2018 a new organ was added to the sanctuary."
Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church
"Organized in 1841, this church acquired a permanent spot on North Main Street in 1860 thanks to President Andrew Johnson selling the lot for the cause. This spot has been the scene of a Cumberland Presbyterian Newspaper, The American Presbyterian, edited by the Rev. Joseph B. Dobson in the 1850’s. The church also saw military duty - serving as a stable and hospital and was “wounded” with the cannonball in the front wall on September 4, 1864. On that same day Gen. John H. Morgan was killed in the Williams garden across the street.
With the damage toiled on the church during the Civil War, the church was not completed until the War was over and building could continue on - 1875.
Done in the style of the Greek Revival, the church is on the National Register of Historic Places. The spire is surmounted by a figure of the Angel Gabriel in gold leaf.
By 1900, the congregation gained momentum with over 100 members and hosted the General Assembly- the highest court of the denomination – in 1922. The church was expanded in 1949, and again in the 1980’s."
With the damage toiled on the church during the Civil War, the church was not completed until the War was over and building could continue on - 1875.
Done in the style of the Greek Revival, the church is on the National Register of Historic Places. The spire is surmounted by a figure of the Angel Gabriel in gold leaf.
By 1900, the congregation gained momentum with over 100 members and hosted the General Assembly- the highest court of the denomination – in 1922. The church was expanded in 1949, and again in the 1980’s."
First Presbyterian Church
"The oldest established congregation in our community was started by one of Greene County’s first settlers and founders, Samuel Doak in 1780. This congregation was hosted alongside the flowing Big Spring – a major factor in the settling of this area of the Americas. Originally under the name Mt. Bethel, a log church was built to hold the early settler congregation in 1792. In 1840, the name of the church was changed to Greeneville Presbyterian Church.
In 1848, the present brick church was built. A fire in 1928 completely destroyed the interior of the church and the steeple fell through the building. The church was immediately rebuilt, funded by the roaring support of its members. In 1940 the name was changed again to its final name, First Presbyterian Church,
The Christ Chapel located on Main Street was built and dedicated in 1999 with the Family and Nurture Center being built and dedicated the following year."
In 1848, the present brick church was built. A fire in 1928 completely destroyed the interior of the church and the steeple fell through the building. The church was immediately rebuilt, funded by the roaring support of its members. In 1940 the name was changed again to its final name, First Presbyterian Church,
The Christ Chapel located on Main Street was built and dedicated in 1999 with the Family and Nurture Center being built and dedicated the following year."
General Morgan Inn
"The first building to stand on the site now recognized as the General Morgan Inn was the DeWoody Tavern, a wooden structure built in the early 1790s by William Dunwoody. A friendly establishment, the tavern offered food, supplies and lodging to pioneers traveling westward from the mountains of North Carolina along the Great Wagon Trail that would eventually become U.S. Highway 321. Greeneville’s Big Spring, with its abundance of fresh water, made the location an ideal stopping point along the trail. Over the years, the DeWoody Tavern’s operators and its name would change several times. From the late 1820s to the 1860s, the establishment was known as “Bell Tavern”. It was advertised as “a Public House at the sign of the Bell in Greeneville” and operated by William K. Vance...."
Click the link for more information!
Click the link for more information!
Dickson-Williams Mansion
Beginning in 1815 William Dickson, a wealthy Irish merchant, and Greeneville’s first postmaster, and his wife Elizabeth Douglas Dickson, began construction of a home for their only child Catharine. The house was designed and constructed by Irish craftsmen Thomas Battersby and John Hoy, and local craftsmen, probably with the help of slave labor. The home was completed in 1821. Catharine Dickson was married to Dr. Alexander Williams on August 29, 1823. Dr. Williams died in 1852 and his wife passed in 1870. The home stayed in the Williams family until 1872. The house then went through a variety of uses including:
Edwards Academy and Greeneville Academy: 1876 – 1890
Unaka Tobacco Works: 1893 – 1895
Morgan Inn: 1897 – 1912
Greeneville Sanitorium and Hospital: 1912 – 1978
Takoma Hospital: 1978 – 1986
In 1986 the house became the property of the Greene County Government. And, in 1987 it was leased to the Dickson-Williams Historical Association on a ninety-nine-year lease thus beginning a restoration to its 1850 appearance.
Edwards Academy and Greeneville Academy: 1876 – 1890
Unaka Tobacco Works: 1893 – 1895
Morgan Inn: 1897 – 1912
Greeneville Sanitorium and Hospital: 1912 – 1978
Takoma Hospital: 1978 – 1986
In 1986 the house became the property of the Greene County Government. And, in 1987 it was leased to the Dickson-Williams Historical Association on a ninety-nine-year lease thus beginning a restoration to its 1850 appearance.
Big Spring
The site of Greeneville was a juncture of two Indian trails, and the presence of the Big Spring furnished a stopping off place for the weary Indian traveler. The Scotch-Irish pioneers made the spring the reason for the founding of Greeneville in 1783. As early as 1780, the Rev. Samuel Doak preached to the settlers at this spot.
AJ Cemetery: National Historic Site & Veterans Cemetery
Andrew Johnson bought the land that comprises the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery in 1852. According to family tradition, Johnson enjoyed coming to this spot for peace and meditation. It afforded superb and unpopulated views of the mountains in the distance. Because of its height and unobstructed view of the railroad, it was used during the Civil War for signaling, and it became known as "Signal Hill."
Replica Andrew Johnson Birthplace
Provided by Andrew Johnson's estate, this replica of Andrew Johnson's birthplace in Raleigh, North Carolina, will give you the true scope of Johnson's rise from humble beginnings.
The replica is open during park business hours, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Exceptions include winter schedule closures, inclement weather, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eves/Days. The grounds are accessible anytime.
The replica is open during park business hours, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Exceptions include winter schedule closures, inclement weather, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eves/Days. The grounds are accessible anytime.
Harmony House
Built in 1851 by Dr. and Mrs. William Andrew Harmon, this house was used as a place of refuge during the Civil War. Soldiers from both Confederate and Union armies camped in the back yard. Of Federal architecture, the interior contains prime examples of Tennessee craftmanship. Restoration was completed in 1980.
Former Tobacco Warehouse
Tobacco was the cash crop of the area. Greeneville Once Had More Than 25 Tobacco Auction areas.
Greeneville Genealogical Library
The T. Elmer Cox Genealogical & Historical Library is one of Tennessee’s preeminent
archives for family history, providing public access to over 20,000 on-site materials.
archives for family history, providing public access to over 20,000 on-site materials.
Historic Questions?
Contact Us!
115 Academy St.
Greeneville TN, 37743
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