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

Davy Crockett

Greetings from Greeneville Mural

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 down in Greeneville TN, he begun 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.