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.