Sumner County, Tennessee's Cragfont Mansion was constructed between 1792 and 1802 in the Castilian Springs Community. The mansion was constructed for Revolutionary War veteran James Winchester and his family. The Winchester family originally hailed from Maryland, but came to Tennessee seeking new lives. When Cragfont was completed, it was considered by many to be the Tennessee Frontier's finest mansion. Cragfont became a perfect example of the Georgian Architectural style in Tennessee. The home features ten bays (five on top, five on bottom) and chimneys on each elevation. For ease of heating and cooling, the home features an open air floor plan. When the War of 1812 broke out Winchester was tasked with leading men in an invasion of Canada. He failed in his attempts. In 1815, Winchester returned to Cragfont and became involved in various agricultural pursuits. He also engaged in land speculation. In 1819, Winchester laid out and founded the town of Memphis. Winchester died in 1826. During the Civil War, numerous skirmishes took place around Cragfont. Shortly after the Civil War, Cragfont was sold out of the Winchester family. It went through various owners until 1956. In 1956, the State of Tennessee purchased Cragfont with the intent of turning it into an historic house museum. This vision was realized and the home continues to be owned by the State Government and is operated as an historic house museum. In 1970 Cragfont was nominated and subsequently listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its historical and architectural significance. Cragfont is a valuable part of Tennessee history that has been wonderfully preserved.
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