National Register Listing

Rock Castle

SE of Hendersonville on Indian Lake Rd., Hendersonville, TN
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
The city of Nashville played an important role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The city was the site of the first sit-in protest in the United States, when a group of African American college students staged a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in downtown Nashville in 1960.
Tennessee random facts
Sumner County, Tennessee, has a rich history that stretches back to the Native American settlements that existed long before the arrival of European colonizers. The area was home to the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Chickasaw tribes, who utilized the fertile land along the Cumberland River for agriculture and hunting. European exploration and settlement began in the late 1700s, with early explorers like Daniel Boone and John Donelson venturing into the region.

In 1786, Sumner County was officially established, becoming one of the first counties in Tennessee. The county was named after Revolutionary War hero, General Jethro Sumner. The early settlers faced many challenges, including conflicts with Native Americans and the harsh wilderness. However, they persevered, and by the early 1800s, Sumner County had become a thriving agricultural community, known for its production of tobacco, corn, and livestock.

During the Civil War, Sumner County played a significant role as a strategic location between the Union and Confederate forces. Several skirmishes and battles took place in the area, including the Battle of Hartsville and the Battle of Gallatin. The war brought destruction and hardship to the county, but it also led to the emancipation of enslaved individuals and brought about social and economic changes.

In the decades that followed, Sumner County experienced growth and transformation. The expansion of railroads and the development of industries such as lumber, textiles, and manufacturing spurred economic prosperity. Today, Sumner County is known for its historical significance, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving community that blends the charm of the past with modern amenities and opportunities.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sumner County, Tennessee.

  • 1786 - Sumner County is established as one of Tennessee's original counties.
  • 1794 - Gallatin becomes the county seat of Sumner County.
  • 1812 - The County Courthouse in Gallatin is destroyed by fire.
  • 1820 - A new County Courthouse is constructed in Gallatin.
  • 1862 - During the American Civil War, Union and Confederate forces clash near Gallatin.
  • 1901 - The Tennessee Central Railway is completed, connecting Sumner County to Nashville and other major cities.
  • 1974 - The county experiences significant damage from an F3 tornado.
  • 2010 - The population of Sumner County surpasses 160,000 residents.