Sparta Rock House

The Sparta Rock House was constructed in the late 1830s. It served as a stage coach stop, and tollhouse for travelers along an early wagon road that connected Nashville and Knoxville. It is unknown who constructed this rock structure, but it is widely believed that it was constructed by either Samuel Denton, or brothers Madison and Barlow Fiske. The latter two were the first to operate it. The land that the structure sits on, was part of Denton's farm. The structure was constructed out of sandstone, native to the Upper Cumberland area. The Rock House, was one of the last stops along the wagon road, that ran to the South, parallel to the Walton Road. The two roads joined back together at present day Crossville. These early pioneer roads paved the way for highways 70, which runs to the south through Sparta, and 70N, which runs to the north through Cookeville. By 1850, the Rock House ceased to operate as a stage stop and toll house. Throughout its years in that role, it played host to many famous visitors. These visitors included Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Sam Houston. From approximately 1880, to 1921 the Rock House was used as a residence, and later as a school. By the time the 1940s came around, the structure had grown into a need of repair. The Daughters of the American Revolution were able to purchase the structure and restore it. It has operated as a museum ever since. In 1973, the Rock House was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its role in history and architecture. In recent years, the Rock House has been purchased by the state, and now operates as a state historic site, overseen by the Tennessee Historical Commission. The Rock House is truly one of Tennessee's finest examples of preservation success.

Interior photo of the Rock House.

Be sure and come back next week for another Throwback Thursday courtesy of Moore Historical Consulting. Whether your need is genealogy, historic litigation, preservation, or anything in between, put Moore Historical Consulting to work for you today!!