Rock Castle

Rock Castle was constructed in 1784, by Daniel Smith. Smith had been a captain in Lord Dunmore's War, colonel in the American Revolution, and Brigadier General of the militia in the Metro District. Smith was also a United States Senator, and later surveyed land boundaries in Middle Tennessee. In 1788, he acquired 4,722 acres of land along the Cumberland River in Sumner County, Tennessee. This acreage of land was added on to the land he had already received for his service in the Revolutionary War. Smith wanted to use limestone, to make his mansion "fireproof." The entire structure was built in three sections over the course of twelve years. The rocks were quarried on site. The only materials that were not manufactured on site were glass for the windows, and hinges and nails. The cement used to hold the stone blocks together was made out of lime mortar and sand. Limestone chimneys were added to both elevations, and a full height entry porch was built on the main facade. Additional outbuildings and landscape features included a herb garden, and peach orchard, as well as a smokehouse constructed much like the main house. Once completed the Rock Castle mansion and plantation became one of the largest in Middle Tennessee. Main crops included wheat and cotton. It is unknown exactly how many slaves lived at Rock Castle. Some reports state that as many as ninety-eight were enslaved there, while others state that only two were enslaved. Like many plantation owning families of this time, the Smith family chose to bury their deceased loved ones in their own private cemetery, on their own property. Over fifty family members are interned in this cemetery. Rock Castle, perhaps, was the inspiration for many other antebellum style homes in Tennessee. It is the only one of note to be constructed entirely of limestone. Others were constructed primarily of brick, or wood frame. Rock Castle remained in the Daniel Smith family, until 1969, when it was purchased by the State of Tennessee. Today the Tennessee Historical Commission overseas operations, grant funding, and maintenance of Rock Castle. Rock Castle is truly another great example of historic preservation at its finest.

The limestone blocks of Rock Castle were intricately cut and installed.

The smokehouse at Rock Castle was constructed in much the same was as the main house.

The Herb Garden at Rock Castle. Note Old Hickory Lake in the background.

The family cemetery at Rock Castle.

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