Johns-King Home

The Johns-King Home, or Liberty Hill, as it was historically known was built around 1807 on land that was given as a land grant to Colonel Robert Weakley for his service in the Revolutionary War. Weakley was a member of Tennessee's First General Assembly. The home was built along Old Jefferson Pike in Smyrna, Tennessee which was one of the major thoroughfares in the area. The house began its life as a log cabin and evolved through the years into a beautiful example of Greek Revival style architecture. Throughout much of the 19th century Liberty Hill functioned as a working plantation, and was one of the area's largest producers of cash crops. Liberty Hill also served as the first county seat of Rutherford County. What differentiates Liberty Hill from other antebellum plantations is the fact that not only did it witness the Civil War, but it also witnessed the Trail of Tears. In 1838 President Andrew Jackson ordered the Indian Removal Act. Cherokee Indians living throughout Tennessee were forced to pack up their lives and move westward. One of the routes that the Cherokees had to follow was Old Jefferson Pike. That meant that they had to pass right by Liberty Hill on their journey westward. Liberty Hill, or the Johns-King House is one of less then ten structures remaining in the area that witnessed the Trail of Tears. In 1840 Liberty Hill was sold out of the Weakley family. The home and property were purchased by Thomas Johns. By all accounts, this family continued to run the plantation much like the Weakley family had. During the Civil War, the Johns-King House served as a field hospital. Its location along Old Jefferson Pike made it an important position for both sides. On December 30, 1862 Confederate General Joseph Wheeler blocked Old Jefferson Pike. His goal was to delay the arrival of the approaching Union forces so that he had ample time to invade a Union supply train. The supply train stretched from Old Jefferson Pike to Stewart's Creek. Many of the supply wagons were located on the Liberty Hill property. Wheeler and his forces burned approximately sixty-five supply wagons. The minor skirmish became known as the Battle of Espey Chapel. Following the Civil War, Liberty Hill was sold out of the Johns family. Benjamin Seawell King, a relative of the Johns family, purchased the home and property. By all accounts the farm returned to normal operation following the war. Throughout the 20th century, the home was inhabited by members of both the Johns and King families. In 1998 the resident of the home passed away and the historic home has sat empty ever since. Due to reasons unknown, the home has never been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Johns-King home has consistently been listed as one of the most endangered historic sites in Tennessee. Modern subdivision developments have threatened the home in recent years. Are you the owner of an historic home or commercial building? If so do not let it become like the Johns-King home. Contact Moore Historical Consulting today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies that 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.

For more on the Johns-King home check out this link from the Rutherford County Historical Society: http://rutherfordtnhistory.org/liberty-hill-bore-witness-to-trail-of-tears-civil-war/

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