Greeneville, Tenn.: Taking pride in the past
Rolling farmlands and the wide river valley of the Nolichucky give way to the town of Greeneville, Tenn. Named in honor of Nathanael Greene, General of Washington’s Army of the Republic, Greeneville was settled in 1783.
Greeneville was from 1785 to 1788 the Capital of the state of Franklin, the smallest and most short-lived state in the history of our nation, created when founders including Rev. Samuel Doak and John Sevier seceded from North Carolina.
Doak House Museum
This 1830-era home belonged to Tusculum College’s founder, Rev. Sam Witherspoon Doak. Doak’s father was the first Presbyterian minister to settle in the frontier region that would later be known as Tennessee. Visitors may tour the home, which features family antiques, and explore the grounds and restored schoolhouse building. Traditional music pickings are held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month. The museum, along with the President Johnson Museum and Library, is managed through Tusculum College’s Department of Museum Program and Studies.
Dickson-Williams Mansion
Greeneville’s first postmaster built this home in 1821. During the Civil War, the home served as officer’s quarters for both Confederate and Union troops. Tours are available daily in season.
Davy Crockett Birthplace
Outside Greeneville is a 105-acre park along the Nolichucky River featuring a replica of Crockett’s birthplace cabin, camping, a swimming pool, picnic areas, fishing, and hiking trails. The visitor center is only open during the week; however, the grounds are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the summer and until 6 p.m. in the winter.
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From the Nolichucky to the Potomac
