History

Are you a history buff? With artifacts dating back to the Ice Age, Hendersonville, TN and Sumner County has a rich history as a common hunting ground to several Native American tribes. The first settlement was established in 1778 at Bledsoe's Lick, now known as Castalian Springs. Sumner County named for Revolutionary War hero Jethro Sumner, was created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1786, almost 10 years before Tennessee acquired enough people to qualify for statehood in June of 1796.

The home of General Daniel Smith and his family was constructed in the late 1700s and contains authentic furnishings of the era. Smith was a leader in the formation of Tennessee and Andrew Jackson's replacement in the U.S. Senate when Jackson was elected president.

As drivers cross Hendersonville's western border, they see Monthaven. The inside of the 140-year old mansion serves as the home of the Hendersonville Arts Council and is just as princely as the outside but much busier. At different times there are paintings, sculptures, water colors, photography and more on display there. The gift shop features pottery and woodcarvings by local artisans and craftsmen. And it has quilts, jewelry and books. The arts council offers visual art classes for adults and children and music and drama classes for newborns through four-year olds. Additionally, the mansion is the site for free monthly concerts each May through August.