Rock Castle State Historic Site

02/11/2025

📚✨ Interpretation Tuesday! ✨📚

This week's Historic Highlight takes us back to 1796!

When General Daniel Smith and the early pioneers of the western frontier came together to form a new state in 1796, they chose a name that would carry the spirit of the land—and its people—forever: Tennessee. Smith, who was fluent in Cherokee, helped survey the boundaries for the new state and drafted some of the earlier maps of Tennessee!
The name, derived from the Cherokee word Tanasi, meaning “the meeting place” or “bend in the river,” symbolized much more than geography—it was about the convergence of cultures, histories, and dreams in one place. It was a name that honored the indigenous people who had called this land home long before the settlers, while also marking a new chapter for those who had come to build a future in the unknown.
Today, Tennessee remains a place where different paths meet, where history and innovation collide, and where the spirit of its namesake—unity and resilience—continues to thrive.

02/10/2025

🌿 Honoring the Full History at Plantation Historic Sites 🌿

As a historic site, we are tasked with the responsibility of telling the full and complex story of the home's history. While the grandeur of the plantation is part of Rock Castle's past, we acknowledge that it is inseparable from the painful history of slavery and the resilience of those who were enslaved here.

As we recognize our own shortcomings in telling these stories, and while struggling with the reality that Black history was not recorded well in early America, we are committed to sharing the stories of the Black men, women, and children who lived, worked, and fought for their freedom on this land. As we prepare to open a new Visitor Center and Museum in the coming year, our hope is that the voices of Alfred & Easter, and so many others like them who fought for freedom long after the Revolutionary War won it for the Smith family, are heard as loudly as those of the enslavers who denied them their Liberty.

This Black History Month, we invite you to reflect on the impact of this history and join in a dialogue about how we can all work toward a more inclusive understanding of the past. Historic Sites like Cragfont State Historic Site and Carnton are doing great work in this area - we highly recommend their programming!

Photo: Tanya White-Anderson, a Rock Castle Board Member, and Andre Anderson at Rock Castle Living History Days telling students about Alfred & Easter, and the Black men, women, and children who lived and labored here.

02/09/2025

📚 Staff Book Recs! 📚

If you are looking for a book to read for Black History Month, here are a few of our staff picks!

Sam: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
He teaches this book in his English class at Hendersonville High School.

Jess: Yonder Come Day, by Jasmine Holmes
An exploration of the WPA Narratives, this book is a unique blend of non-fiction and research/history-based story.

Erynn: she couldn’t choose just one, so she recommends The Ledger and the Chain, and Beale Street Dynasty.

Have you read any of these? What are your thoughts? What books would you recommend for Black History Month?

02/08/2025

Thank you, General Daniel Smiths Rock Castle DAR chapter for having us, and for your generous donation to the education efforts of Rock Castle! We are so honored to share history with you! 🇺🇸

02/07/2025

"Tabitha" is a name you'll hear a lot around Rock Castle, and see several times in the Rock Castle Cemetery. For all you genealogy lovers out there...

1️⃣ Tabitha Donelson (daughter of Capt. John Donelson, niece of Rachel Donelson Jackson) married George Smith (2nd generation owner of Rock Castle). *Side note: George's sister Polly also married a Donelson sibling -- Samuel, John & Rachel's brother! (there weren't so many families to choose from around here...😅)

2️⃣ Tabitha & George had a daughter -- Tabitha Smith (who became Tabitha Bugg)

3️⃣ Tabitha & George's son, Harry Smith (3rd generation owner of Rock Castle, son of Tabitha 1 and brother to Tabitha 2) had a daughter named Tabitha Smith, who sadly passed away at the age of 9. She was the younger sister of Nannie Smith Berry - a very familiar name around Hendersonville!

The original Tabitha -- Donelson Smith -- passed away in February 1854. All 3 Tabitha's are buried in the Rock Castle Cemetery.

02/04/2025

📚✨ Interpretation Tuesday! ✨📚

This first edition (pun intended) of Behind the Bookcases is all about land surveyors, pioneers of statehood!

When it was published in 1688, "Geodæsia, or The Art of Surveying and Measuring of Land Made Easie" by John Love revolutionized the practice of land measurement, providing essential techniques that would shape the future of mapping and state-building. But beyond the books, land surveyors played a pivotal role in the creation of new territories and states—Daniel Smith was no exception.

As one of the most prominent surveyors of the late 18th century, Daniel Smith helped map much of what would become Tennessee. Smith’s surveying work was crucial in establishing property lines, boundaries, and settlements in the region, guiding the fledgling state toward its eventual statehood in 1796. His efforts in surveying and land distribution helped transform Tennessee from a frontier wilderness into a structured, organized territory ready for admission to the Union.

Surveyors like Smith—equipped with knowledge from works like "Geodæsia"—weren’t just measuring land; they were laying the groundwork for the formation of entire states, communities, and national identities. 🌍🗺️

01/28/2025

📚✨ Interpretation Tuesday! ✨📚

This week's Historic Highlight predates Rock Castle!

January is considered to be a time of new beginnings and the appeal of a fresh start. The Smith family was well-acquainted with both of these things.
In 1783, General Daniel Smith and his family embarked on a brave new chapter, leaving their familiar life in Virginia for the untamed lands of Tennessee. With two small children in tow, Daniel and his wife Sarah ventured into a frontier that promised both challenges and opportunities—where every day was a step toward building a future for their family and their country.
Their courage, resilience, and pioneering spirit are a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding journeys begin with a leap into the unknown. In times of change, we can draw strength from those who have walked similar paths before us, carving out new homes, new communities, and new dreams from the wilderness.

Here's to new beginnings—whether they’re across centuries, across states, or just across the street!

Image: "Out of the Opening" by David Wright, https://davidwrightart.com/shop/out-of-the-opening/

01/27/2025

🌞 Castle Camps 2025 🌞

We are thrilled to announce that Camps at Historic Rock Castle are a GO in 2025! We have a line-up of SEVEN weeks of amazing summer adventure, each Camp with a super fun theme to get your kiddos outside and active -- while learning! -- all summer long! From arts and crafts to water games and team challenges, every day will be filled with excitement!

Camps & Dates:

🩷 American Girl Camp ~ June 2 - 5
🦅 Frontier Camp ~ June 9 - 12
🇺🇸*NEW* Revolutionary Adventure Camp ~ June 16 - 19
⚡ Mythology Camp ~ June 23 - 26
✨ *BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND* Wizarding Camp ~ July 7 - 10
🔥 Survivor Camp ~ July 14 - 17
🩷 American Girl Camp ~ July 28 - 31

For a description of each Camp, visit our website at: www.historicrockcastle.com/camps

Early-Bird Registration opens for Rock Castle Community Partners on February 15 at 9am. *must have been a monthly supporter at $10+/month (or $120+ annually) for the last 12 months.

Registration opens to the public on March 1 at 9am.

Please email [email protected] with any questions, or call/text (615) 824-0502.

01/26/2025

🌞 Exciting CAMP News Coming Soon! 🌞

Get ready for an unforgettable summer! 2025 Castle Camp info will be announced Monday January 27, and we can't wait to share all the fun, adventure, and learning we have in store! We have a 🌟new Camp🌟 in our lineup, 👀 and we're bringing back a crowd favorite. 🥳 Whether you're looking for outdoor thrills, creative activities, or new friendships, this summer will be one to remember!

Stay tuned for more details! 📅👀

01/24/2025

The last events of the 2024/2025 Winter House Concert Season are approaching fast, and we are thrilled to announce that crowd favorites Striking Matches and Pressing Strings will be closing out the season in style!

Rock Castle House Concerts have been a highlight of our Winter Seasons for nearly a decade, and we've been privileged to feature the music of so many incredible songwriters and bands along the way. For those who have shared in these magical concert experiences--we thank you for both preserving and making history with us, and we look forward to seeing you at the Castle again sometime soon. For those who have not yet attended one of these events, reach out to our director at [email protected] to learn how to get on the list next season. You'll be glad you did!

01/21/2025

📚✨ Introducing Interpretation Tuesdays! ✨📚
We’re excited to launch a brand-new content series: Interpretation Tuesdays! Every Tuesday, we’ll be sharing Historic Highlights from the fascinating history of Rock Castle—a place where history comes alive—and taking you Behind the Bookcases of General Daniel Smith’s personal library. 📖
From uncovering stories about the early pioneers of Tennessee to exploring the books that shaped Smith’s mind and leadership, this series will give you an insider’s look at the people, places, and ideas that formed the foundation of our state.
👀 What to Expect:
Historic Highlights: Discover both the classic and lesser-known stories and artifacts that tell the tale of Rock Castle and early frontier life.
Behind the Bookcases: Peek inside Daniel Smith’s library to explore the books that informed his decisions and shaped his legacy.
Join us on this journey through history— one Tuesday at a time. We can’t wait to share these incredible stories with you!

01/11/2025

Rock Castle's Winter House Concert Series continues next weekend (January 18 & 19) with Troubadour Blue and Carl Wockner. Check out the attached video from Carl's last house concert performance in the wild year of 2020, and visit our website for more information about all Rock Castle has to offer.

Rock Castle Winter House Concert featuring Carl Wockner and Jason Eskridge.Carl Wockner -- www.carlwockner.com.au -- www.facebook.com...

01/10/2025

Sophia Sharp Photography does an incredible job capturing photos of Rock Castle’s events, and this Winter House Concert season has been no exception. Check out her amazing shots, and visit Rock Castle’s website for information about our upcoming event featuring Carl Wockner and Troubadour Blue.

https://www.historicrockcastle.com/winter-house-concert-series

01/01/2025

Happy New Year from Historic Rock Castle!

Centuries before the Times Square ball drop became a tradition, December 31st was a time for food, family, and Auld Lang Syne. German and Swiss settlers brought the tradition of sauerkraut and pork food staples while African American communities in the South popularized black-eyed peas and collard greens for good luck and prosperity in the New Year! Above all, two traditions have stood the test of time --- fireworks and a kiss at midnight!

12/20/2024

Celebrating the Christmas season on the Tennessee frontier 🌲✨

When “The Night Before Christmas” was first published in 1823, it quickly became popular among adults and children alike. It introduced us to Santa’s reindeer and the tradition of hanging stockings!

For children in the Regency era, stockings were one of the most exciting parts of Christmas morning. Children hoped that they would wake up to gifts like apples, oranges, nuts, candy, and even firecrackers! All of these treats were very expensive at the time, especially fruits and sweets. Sugar was expensive and most fruits bc to be shipped in from warmer climates.
Firecrackers may seem like an odd gift for children, but in the Regency and Victorian eras, it was common for families to celebrate Christmas late into the night with firecrackers and noisemakers!

12/17/2024

This season's Winter House Concerts have been an absolute dream, and we are excited to continue the series in January with two more incredible bands: Nathan Graham & Company AND Troubadour Blue. Do yourself a favor and give these artists a listen--you'll be happy you did!

The January events are technically sold out, but we are opening six additional seats each night (12 spots total) as a special Christmas gift opportunity. If you've never experienced the magic of Rock Castle's Winter House Concerts...OR...if you want to share the experience with loved ones--this is your chance.

Tickets can ONLY be purchased through our site director. You can email him directly at [email protected]

12/12/2024

🎶 THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! 🎶

We are honored and thrilled that The Woods & Thunderstorm Artis will be performing at Rock Castle's Winter House Concert Series events this weekend, and--while the Sunday show is still sold out--we just had a few seats open up unexpectedly for the Saturday night show (December 14 from 5:00 to 9:00). These events generally sell out a year in advance, so get them while you can.

Email our director at [email protected] if you are interested in attending. Tickets cannot be acquired in any other way.