Historic Rock Castle

Historic Rock Castle

A New Chapter For Tennessee’s Oldest Home

In 2019, the Tennessee Historical Commission embarked on its most ambitious preservation endeavor to date. With the steadfast advocacy of State Representatives William Lamberth, William Slater, and Johnny Garrett, this vision was formally recognized in the 2020 State Budget. Though the global challenges of 2020 briefly paused our progress, the spirit of Rock Castle remained undeterred. Following thoughtful recalibration, we proudly broke ground in August 2024 on a reimagined future for this 18th-century landmark.

As we prepare for a grand reopening in late 2025, the site is undergoing a profound transformation. While the historic mansion remains the heart of our mission, we are hard at work constructing a state-of-the-art Visitor Center that will better serve our community for generations to come. During this transition, our beloved Summer Songwriter Series and Folk & Bluegrass Fest have found a temporary home at Sanders Ferry Park, thanks to the incredible support of the Hendersonville Parks Department. Most excitingly, our Summer Camps continue on-site at our newly reconstructed Pavilion, ensuring that the laughter and learning of Tennessee’s youth remain woven into our grounds.

A Modern Gateway to History

The centerpiece of this project is a brand-new Visitor Center. This multi-purpose community hub will house immersive museum exhibits that interpret the layered narratives of all who lived here. It also provides modern administrative facilities and a versatile event space designed for both educational programming and private celebrations, blending historic charm with contemporary function.

The Lakeside Veranda

The new veranda will serve as a breathtaking stage for our outdoor music events, offering unparalleled views of Old Hickory Lake and creating a seamless connection between the historic limestone castle and the natural beauty that surrounds it.

Honoring Every Detail

Beyond the new construction, we are meticulously restoring the elements that make Rock Castle unique. This includes a new utility storage barn, enhanced paved parking to improve the visitor experience, and vital repairs to the caretaker’s cottage, the historic fencerow, and the cemetery headstones. Perhaps most remarkably, we are restoring the two dormer windows and the historic bell tower—original features of the Castle that will once again stand tall against the Tennessee sky.