Wynnewood

Wynnewood, also known as Castalian Springs, is the largest extant log structure in the state of Tennessee. The log home was not built until 1828, but the area around it had been inhabited hundreds of years prior. The area around Wynnewood was well known among early Tennessee settlers for its rich mineral springs. These mineral springs were enticing not only to early settlers, but wildlife as well. Long hunters knew that they could use the mineral springs to lure animals like buffalo. Many of  these hunters grew wealthy due to the high demand for buffalo hides. The first to discover these mineral springs was Isaac Bledsoe in 1772. From 1778- 1779 Thomas Sharp Spencer lived in a hollowed out Sycamore tree hunting buffalo. The Native Americans living in the area were afraid of Spencer due to his large size and refused to bother him. By the turn of the century an increasing number of settlers began to come to Tennessee. Pioneer roads such as the Walton and the Kentucky Stock Roads served travelers and their families well. Most of these roads were carved out with natural resources in mind. In 1828 A.R. Wynne, William Cage, and Stephen Roberts constructed a large log cabin that would serve as a stagecoach stop along the Nashville-Knoxville Road. The inn was originally called Castalian Springs, and was popular among travelers because many felt that the mineral springs served a medicinal purpose. In 1834 Wynne bought out his two partners and moved his family into the log cabin. He continued to operate his home as a stagecoach stop. The family also sold mineral water. When the Civil War broke out, Wynne remained loyal to the Union. His four sons however enlisted in the Confederate army. Surprisingly the log home was not harmed by either army during the war. Union troops did use Wynne's surrounding farmland as a camp site. Wynnewood's location, approximately halfway between Gallatin and Hartsville, made the site valuable to both armies. Following the war Wynnewood ceased to be a stagecoach stop and a mineral springs business. Instead it served as a private residence for the Wynne family. In 1893 A.R. Wynne died. In 1899 his two daughters leased the log cabin to an outside party. This new party converted the log cabin into a resort. The resort included a pool hall, and a dance pavilion among other amenities. Activities such as horseback riding were popular among guests. The main selling point to tourists was the mineral springs. The resort continued to operate until 1914. From 1914 to 1971 the Wynne family focused on progressive farming. In 1971 the Tennessee Historical Commission purchased Wynnewood from the Wynne family. In 1972 the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was also listed as a National Historic Landmark. The National Historic Landmark designation is the highest honor an historic site can receive. By being designated a National Historic Landmark, it shows that a site maintains exceptional value in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. This distinction is the most difficult honor for historic preservationists to obtain for an historic site. Wynnewood has the distinction of being one of only twenty-nine National Historic Landmarks in Tennessee. In 2008 a tornado ripped the roof off the historic log cabin and knocked the structure partially off its foundation. The site had to undergo significant repairs and was closed until 2012. Since its reopening Wynnewood has seen numerous visitors. It has been designated a state historic site by the Tennessee Historical Commission. Wynnewood is yet another great example of historic preservation success. At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own an historic home, commercial building, or farm? If so contact me today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies I offer. These include nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, nominations for a Permanent Conservation Easement, and nominations to the Century Farms program. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.

Plaque affixed to the Wynnewood log cabin designating it a National Historic Landmark. One of only twenty-nine in the state of Tennessee.

Be sure and come back next week for another Throwback Thursday courtesy of Moore Historical Consulting.