Rock Castle State Historic Site

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]

12/11/2024

Celebrating the Christmas season on the Tennessee frontier 🌲✨

Despite Puritan efforts in New England to discourage and even outlaw Christmas celebrations, festivities in the middle and southern colonies persisted! Many holiday customs carried over from Old English ones, such as feasting, the firing of guns, and wassailing — a Yuletide door-to-door caroling tradition during which hot mulled wine was shared!

12/05/2024

We're probably a little biased, but we sincerely believe that Rock Castle Winter House Concerts are among the best private listening room experiences anywhere in the country...and we're even more confident in that claim when the The Woods are performing!

World-class songwriters, musicians, and human beings--The Woods have been long-time Castle Crew favorites, and we are so honored and excited that they're returning for our December events.

The Sunday, December 15th House Concert is entirely sold out, but we do still have a few available seats at the Saturday, December 14th House Concert. It's the perfect Christmas season date night opportunity, but the available spots won't last long. Email our Director at [email protected] if you are interested in attending.

12/05/2024

On a day like this in December 1782, Daniel Smith was shot twice in the chest during an expedition planning for settlement of the first county in Middle TN. Daniel and party were ambushed by a Native American group as they rode the buffalo trail between Bledsoe's and Mansker's Lick. One of the party died, was scalped and his heart was cut out; Daniel was shot twice in the chest, but managed to make it alone to Mansker Station, followed 3 days later by the last of his party. This incident occurred in the valley of Bledsoe Creek near where Cragfont now stands. (from Daniel Smith: Frontier Statesman by Walter T. Durham, pg. 84-85)

12/03/2024

🌟 This , make a lasting impact on history! 🌟

At Historic Rock Castle, we work every day to preserve and share the rich history of our community, and to create family-friendly gatherings where friends and neighbors celebrate together. Your support helps us develop tours, educational programs, and events that connect the past to the present, and leave a legacy of belonging.

🌟 Your donation, big or small, makes a difference. Join us in preserving the story of Rock Castle, and all who have come through its gates, for generations to come!

👉 https://rockcastle.kindful.com/

12/03/2024

Due to the much-anticipated construction on Site, Rock Castle will not be able to host our annual Holiday Open House this year. 😢 While we are so sad to miss the tradition, our staff is using this time to very excitedly plan for all the festive celebrations we will be able to add in 2025! 🥳 In the meantime, check out the fun holiday events happening at Sumner County's amazing historic sites and tell us your favorite historical holiday activities!

Cragfont State Historic Site -- Christmas by Candlelight & Christmas Through the Ages: An Early Tennessee Christmas
Wynnewood State Historic Site -- Christmas by Candlelight & Christmas Through the Ages: A Victorian Christmas
Hawthorn Hill State Historic Site -- Christmas by Candlelight
Historic Rose Mont -- Merry Mantles
Trousdale Place -- Christmas Open House
Friends of the Bridal House -- Christmas Open House
Historic Mansker's Station -- Yulefest
Bledsoes Fort Historical Park -- Christmas Open House

11/25/2024

Great experience gift idea for your Black Friday shopping!

Spirits of Sumner Historic Haunts Bus Tour tickets go on sale in five days!

Set your alarm for Black Friday, Nov. 29, at 10 a.m.
Christmas shopping just got easier.

Find the details at https://historichauntsbustour.eventbrite.com.

Blythewood
Cragfont State Historic Site
Historic Rose Mont
Saving Maggie Mansion
Trousdale Place

11/20/2024

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ Rock Castle's 2024/2025 Winter House Concert Series continues in December with Thunderstorm Artis and The Woods ❄️ ❄️ ❄️
Click the link for details:
https://www.historicrockcastle.com/winter-house-concert-series

11/09/2024

If you’re getting rid of artificial Christmas trees, Rock Castle would love to take them off your hands! Shoot us a DM or email [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

11/08/2024

Have you been looking for an opportunity to attend one of Rock Castle's Winter House Concerts? Well...a few seats have opened up at our Sunday night (November 17th) House Concert, and this might be your chance. Due to the limited capacity of each event, tickets are ONLY available through Rock Castle's director. You can email him at [email protected] for event and ticket info.

11/06/2024

10/31/2024

🎃👻Happy Halloween from your favorite Castle ghosts! 👻🎃

10/29/2024

On this day in 1748, Daniel Smith was born in Stafford, VA to English immigrants Henry & Sarah Smith. Resiliency was a marker of his life from the very beginning, as he lost his twin sister - Sarah - just days after their birth. Through the turmoil and strife of his early developmental years in tumultuous colonial America, Daniel would grow to become a man of uncommon courage, fierce determination, and remarkable sense of duty as he spent most of his life in the wilds of the American frontier, both wilderness and political. As Tennesseans, we celebrate General Daniel Smith's life and legacy for his immeasurable efforts in laboring to create our great State and the livelihood we so love here.

Image: Morning at the River, by David Wright https://davidwrightart.com/shop/morning-at-the-river/