Rock Castle

Rock Castle State Historic Site

In 1773 Daniel Smith married Sarah Michie in North Carolina. He later received a land grant from the state. In 1784, the Smiths brought their family to this site and commenced construction on Rock Castle. Much of the construction supervision and plantation management was handled by Mrs. Smith, since her husband was away for long periods on surveying trips. In addition to being a well-known surveyor, he served as a captain in the Revolutionary War, Brigadier General of the Mero District, Secretary of the Territory of the United States Southwest of the River Ohio, chairman of a Tennessee Constitutional Convention committee, U.S. Senator, and Indian treaty negotiator. 

A blend of Federal and Georgian architectural styles, the house was once the center of a 3,140-acre plantation, which today is 18 acres. In addition to the house, the property includes a family cemetery and a smokehouse. The State of Tennessee purchased the property in 1969.