Rock Castle State Historic Site

Rock Castle State Historic Site Create your own memories at Historic Rock Castle! Stop by for a visit today and explore the sites and stories of this beautiful historic property!
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In 1784 a Virginian surveyor named Daniel Smith moved with his family to the Cumberland Settlement in present-day Middle Tennessee and began construction on a limestone, Federal-Style building that would house generations of the Smith family for almost 200 years! Located next to a Cumberland River tributary called Drake’s Creek, the house was built on part of the 3,140 acres that Daniel Smith rece

ived in land grants for his service in the Revolutionary War and his surveying work. Over the course of a decade, the Smiths constructed their home in three phases resulting in the story-filled, multi-cultural historic house that stands today. General Daniel Smith was a trailblazer, successful surveyor of Tennessee who named the state of Tennessee, a Revolutionary War patriot, Native American Indian negotiator, two-time Senator and one of the greatest Tennesseans of that era.

Our Rock Castle Bluegrass Jam lineup just keeps getting better! 🪕🎶We’re excited to welcome DownRiver Collective to Rock ...
08/20/2026

Our Rock Castle Bluegrass Jam lineup just keeps getting better! 🪕🎶

We’re excited to welcome DownRiver Collective to Rock Castle this September!

Based right here in Nashville, DownRiver Collective is bringing a fresh voice to modern bluegrass. With powerful harmonies and thoughtful songwriting at the heart of their music, the band blends traditional bluegrass and old-time folk with touches of country, Americana, rock, and even modern pop. The result is a sound that respects where bluegrass has been while taking it somewhere new.

And they’ve certainly been turning heads along the way. DownRiver Collective was named the 2024 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year and the 2025 FreshGrass Bentonville Awards Band winner, while lead vocalist Ali Vance earned the title of 2025 IBMA Momentum Vocalist of the Year.

Their first full-length album, Give It All Away, arrived in 2025 and features appearances from Grammy-nominated artists Dan Tyminski and Sonya Isaacs, along with multiple singles that have found their way onto Roots, Bluegrass, and Grassicana charts.

We’re excited to hear those harmonies ringing out across the Rock Castle grounds this September. 🏰

🪕 DownRiver Collective
📅 September 25 & 26
🎶 9th Annual Rock Castle Bluegrass Jam

Grab your tickets and learn more about this year’s Bluegrass Jam:
https://www.historicrockcastle.com/castlegrass

And keep following along, we still have more of this year’s lineup to introduce!

We’re kicking off our Rock Castle Bluegrass Jam artist spotlights with a band that knows how to bring some serious energ...
08/19/2026

We’re kicking off our Rock Castle Bluegrass Jam artist spotlights with a band that knows how to bring some serious energy to the stage: The Dirty Grass Players! 🪕🎶

Hailing from Baltimore, The Dirty Grass Players have built a reputation for their high-energy, progressive approach to bluegrass. They stay true to the roots of the genre while pushing its boundaries, mixing original music with unexpected influences and covers that can range from traditional bluegrass to Queen, Pink Floyd, and the Grateful Dead.

And if you’ve ever seen them live, you know exactly why they’re earning attention. Their explosive performances, tight musicianship, and willingness to let loose have made them a standout on the festival circuit, including repeat appearances on Glide Magazine’s “Best of DelFest” list.

We can’t wait to see what they bring to the Rock Castle lawn this September!

🪕 The Dirty Grass Players
📅 September 25 & 26
🏰 9th Annual Rock Castle Bluegrass Jam

Learn more about the band:
https://thedirtygrassplayers.com/

Grab your tickets and learn more about Bluegrass Jam:
https://www.historicrockcastle.com/castlegrass

And stay tuned; we have plenty more artists to introduce!

Did You Know? Rock Castle is older than the state of Tennessee. 🏛️Long before Tennessee became the 16th state in 1796, D...
08/18/2026

Did You Know? Rock Castle is older than the state of Tennessee. 🏛️

Long before Tennessee became the 16th state in 1796, Daniel Smith and his family were already building what would become Historic Rock Castle.

Construction began in 1784, more than a decade before statehood, making Rock Castle one of the earliest permanent homes in the region and the oldest home in Middle Tennessee.

Imagine the generations this home has witnessed. From the frontier days and the founding of our state to today, Rock Castle has stood as a silent witness to centuries of Tennessee history.

When you visit Rock Castle, you're not just touring an old house. You're stepping inside a home that was here before Tennessee had a state flag, a capital, or even a place on the map as the 16th state.

History doesn't get much older than that.

🏛️ Have you visited the oldest home in Middle Tennessee? Plan your visit and experience a place that's been part of Tennessee's story since before Tennessee was Tennessee. https://www.historicrockcastle.com/visit

08/14/2026

🎶 Last Songwriter Night of the Summer! 🎶

Tomorrow is the night. 🎶After a summer filled with unforgettable performances, the final Summer Songwriter Night has arr...
08/14/2026

Tomorrow is the night. 🎶

After a summer filled with unforgettable performances, the final Summer Songwriter Night has arrived.

Join us this evening for an incredible night of live music featuring Harper O'Neill, J & The Causeways, and Willie Pearl. Set against the backdrop of the oldest home in Middle Tennessee, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season with great music, beautiful scenery, and an amazing community.

Bring your lawn chairs, gather your friends and family, and enjoy one last summer evening where every song tells a story and every moment becomes a memory.

Summer may be winding down, but tomorrow is your chance to make it unforgettable.

We'll see you here! 🏰🎤

The classroom doesn't have to end at the school doors. 📚This school year, give your students the chance to step into Ten...
08/13/2026

The classroom doesn't have to end at the school doors. 📚

This school year, give your students the chance to step into Tennessee's history instead of just reading about it.

At Historic Rock Castle, history comes alive through immersive field trips where students can explore one of the oldest homes in Middle Tennessee, learn about frontier life, discover the legacy of General Daniel Smith, and gain a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped our state.

There's something unforgettable about standing in a place where history actually happened. Those are the lessons students carry with them long after the bus ride home.

Whether you're planning for elementary, middle, or high school students, now is the perfect time to reserve your class's visit.

📅 School is back in session, and our field trip calendar is filling up. Contact us today to book your class and give your students a hands-on journey through Tennessee history. https://www.historicrockcastle.com/field-trips

Three incredible artists. One unforgettable summer night. 🎶As the sun sets over the Lake, the music begins. Join us THIS...
08/12/2026

Three incredible artists. One unforgettable summer night. 🎶

As the sun sets over the Lake, the music begins. Join us THIS Saturday, August 15, for the final Summer Songwriter Night of the season featuring Harper O'Neill, J & The Causeways, and Willie Pearl. Each artist brings their own unique sound and storytelling, creating an evening where every song has a story and every performance leaves a lasting impression.

There's something special about live music at Rock Castle. Maybe it's the historic setting. Maybe it's the lake breeze drifting through the crowd. Or maybe it's the feeling of sharing an evening with friends, family, and neighbors while talented songwriters perform beneath the open sky.

Bring your lawn chairs, your favorite people, and settle in for one last summer night filled with great music, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable memories.

🎵 Don't miss the grand finale of our Summer Songwriter Series. Tag the friends you're bringing and join us on August 15!

We’re adding a little Southern roots-rock to the Rock Castle lawn this Saturday! 🎸Meet Willie Pearl, one of the bands jo...
08/11/2026

We’re adding a little Southern roots-rock to the Rock Castle lawn this Saturday! 🎸

Meet Willie Pearl, one of the bands joining us for our final Summer Songwriter Night of the season on August 15.

Hailing from Nashville and named after their great-great aunt, Willie Pearl brings together five musicians with deep Tennessee and Georgia roots. Their sound is built around rich vocal harmonies, grooving melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and the kind of Southern rock influence that just feels right on a summer evening.

With inspiration from artists like The Allman Brothers Band, The Eagles, Kings of Leon, Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket, and Bahamas, Willie Pearl delivers a sound that feels familiar while still being distinctly their own.

We have a feeling you’re going to want to hear this one live. 🎶🌅

Join us this Saturday, August 15, and catch Willie Pearl alongside Harper O’Neill and J & The Causeways for one last summer evening of live music at Rock Castle.

🎟️ Learn more: https://www.historicrockcastle.com/summer-songwriter-night-series

Frontier Word: Surveyor📜Before Tennessee had counties, highways, or even established towns, someone had to make sense of...
08/06/2026

Frontier Word: Surveyor📜

Before Tennessee had counties, highways, or even established towns, someone had to make sense of the landscape.

That someone was often a surveyor.

With little more than a compass, measuring chains, field notes, and an understanding of the land, surveyors crossed forests, rivers, and rugged terrain to map what lay before them. Every line they recorded would influence where roads were built, communities grew, and families settled.

Daniel Smith was one of the frontier's most accomplished surveyors. His work helped shape the future of Tennessee, and the land grants he received for his Revolutionary War service and surveying eventually became the home we now know as Historic Rock Castle.

When you walk these grounds today, you're walking across land that Daniel Smith didn't just own. He knew it. He measured it. He explored it, one careful step at a time.

Sometimes, history begins with nothing more than a compass and the courage to venture into the unknown.

We’re excited to introduce another incredible artist joining us for Summer Songwriter Night on August 15 — J & The Cause...
08/05/2026

We’re excited to introduce another incredible artist joining us for Summer Songwriter Night on August 15 — J & The Causeways 🎶

Born from a chance meeting at the legendary Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans, J & The Causeways bring the heart and soul of classic R&B to every stage they play. Led by the magnetic vocals of Jordan Anderson, their music blends powerful storytelling, infectious rhythms, and a soaring horn section that invites everyone to be part of the experience.

Inspired by legends like Otis Redding, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, and Queen, their performances are about more than great music—they’re about creating moments of connection. As Jordan says, “There’s no way you’re leaving that stage without a smile on your face.”

We can’t think of a better setting than a summer evening at Rock Castle to experience the joy, energy, and soul that J & The Causeways bring to every performance. Join us as we celebrate live music, community, and another unforgettable night on the lawn. 🌅🏰

🎤 Learn more about J & The Causeways:
https://jandthecauseways.com/

🎟️ Learn more about Summer Songwriter Night:
https://www.historicrockcastle.com/summer-songwriter-night-series

Address

139 Rock Castle Lane
Hendersonville, TN
37075

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

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