Rogersville, settled in 1775 and often seen to be “Tennessee’s best kept Secret” and has some of the most interesting historic sites. Some of these sites include: Tennessee’s first post office as well as the first newspaper printed in Tennessee “The Knoxville Gazette”, and the home of Davy Crockett’s family and the burial site of his grandparents.

In the heart of Tennessee sits a beautiful secret kept out of the hussle and bussle of the big cities. Rogersville, settled in 1775 and often seen to be “Tennessee’s best kept Secret” and has some of the most interesting historic sites. Some of these sites include: Tennessee’s first post office as well as the first newspaper printed in Tennessee “The Knoxville Gazette”, and the home of Davy Crockett’s family and the burial site of his grandparents.

With year round events for the whole family Rogersville offers its visitors such attractions as “Cruise-In On The Square” where people from all over bring their different types of cars and flashy rides. Not only is it fun for the adults and car lovers, children can find their way to the many inflatables and activities for them to indulge in. Now as fun as that sounds, Rogersville’s big event is Heritage Days, the second full weekend in October, named the “Top Twenty Events In the Southeast for October”. A large scale festival showing the rich history that Rogersville has to offer, including everything from Civil War reenactments to traditional Appalachian music.

Planning to visit Rogersville soon? One of the many historic sites includes the beautiful Hale Springs Inn. Unlike many of the inns that are considered “historic” the Hale Springs Inn is far from dated. From the restaurant and Tavern to the Spa, Hale Springs Inn will keep you happy and relaxed only going a few steps out of your beautiful room. If you are that lucky customer, you could stay in the same room as young King Louis the 14th of France on his botanist tours of America.

Rogersville offers not only year round events and activities, but also is hub for local and out of town shoppers. Walking around Rogersville will help you find gifts and items that you didn’t even know you needed. With a large selection of art galleries Rogersville offers its visitors handmade Jewelry, blown glass, sculptures, and all different types of art. After all your shopping is said and done you can stop into one of the many one of a kind restaurants that Rogersville offers.

When looking for something to do, take a trip to Rogersville and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience tucked into the heart of Tennessee.

Rogersville was settled in 1775 by the grandparents of Davy Crockett in what is today downtown Rogersville near Crocketts’ Spring. When the settlers were attacked by Native Americans, all but decimating the family, the Crocketts sold the property to Colonel Thomas Amis.

In 1780, Colonel Amis and John Carter built a fort near the outskirts of Rogersville and Amis built a stone house a few miles away, fortified against attacks. The next year he opened a store, a blacksmith shop, a distillery, a saw and grist-mill, and a tavern.

In 1785, the present day Rogersville area was, for a year, part of Spencer County in the (brief) State of Franklin. A year later, it was relinquished to to North Carolina, which proceeded to name the area part of Hawkins County.

Joseph RogersDuring this year, Joseph Rogers arrived in the area and stayed at a tavern adjacent to Colonel Amis’ home. He fell in love with the Colonel’s daughter, Mary Amis and they married on October 24, 1786, against Colonel Amis’ wishes. Amis later ceded the land he’d purchased from the Crocketts to Joseph Rogers. Rogers had established a tavern of his own around 1784-85 and became a successful businessman.

Rogers lobbied to have the county seat near his home and volunteered his tavern as the first county courthouse in 1787. He and other local settlers, laid out a plan for the town, and the town of Rogersville was chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1789. The plan included a public square, deeded to the town government, which would host the town’s public well and the county courthouse.

“Rogers was the father of fourteen children with Mary. He died on November 6, 1833 at Rogersville, near the hour of midnight. He was buried in Rogers Cemetery, near the founding site of the Town. His wife Mary died a month later, the victim, according to legend, of a broken heart at the loss of her beloved Joseph.” –source Wikipedia

During the Civil War, the residents of Rogersville were divided in their loyalties and this diversity of opinion may have had something to do with why many of the original structures were spared. At various times, buildings were used by either side as Rogersville was the site of a battle for control of the town. It was occupied by the Federal forces but the Confederate army invaded the area and pushed the army across the Holston into Greene County. Confederates maintained control of the town until the end of the war.

Due to its overall mild climate in summer and winter, There really is never a bad time to visit Rogersville; However, many people enjoy the beautiful spring burst of color across it’s landscape in April. Also, throughout the summer months from May – October, Rogersville hosts a number of events and festivals. These include Cruise-In’s on the Square and in October their biggest festival – Heritage Days.