Blount MansionAn Outpost of Civilization on the Frontier
Blount Mansion would hardly qualify as a mansion today, but when it was built in 1792, it was quite the thing. Compared to the log homes that were standard on the frontier, this wood frame house with real glass windows was a mansion indeed.
William Blount built the house in Knoxville after George Washington appointed him the first (and only) governor of the newly created Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio (called the Southwest Territory by folks who weren't quite so verbose). The story was that Blount's wife, Mary, insisted that he build her a proper civilized house if she was expected to leave their comfortable abode in North Carolina for the wild Southwest Territory. However, Governor Blount was the kind of man who knew the value of making a good impression, so he probably didn't need much convincing. The mansion, after all, served not only as home for his family (which included 6 children and a mother-in-law), but as the territorial capital as well.
When you arrive at Blount Mansion, you'll find the parking area (free) and Visitor Center situated behind the Mansion. You can wander around the gardens on your own, but to get a proper feel for the place you'll want to take a tour. Start at the Visitor Center, where you can watch an entertaining and informative video. Then an interpreter will show you around the buildings. You'll learn all sorts of fascinating historical tidbits, like why June became the traditional month for weddings, the meaning of the nursery song "Pop Goes the Weasel" and the story of the important French visitor's unfortunate experience with bedbugs.
Blount Mansion is located at 200 West Hill Avenue in downtown Knoxville. Visit the Blount Mansion web site for hours and tour information. Make a day of it and visit James White Fort while you're in the neighborhood. Return to Discovering East Tennessee home page from Blount Mansion |
