Local history rooted in Blount Mansion
Blount Mansion is the only National Historic Landmark in Knox County. Built in 1792, it was home to William Blount, signer of the U.S. Constitution and early Tennessee Senator, and his wife, Mary.
William Blount was born in 1749 in North Carolina. He served in the American Revolution, and afterwards was appointed governor of the Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio by none other than President George Washington.
While serving as governor, Blount also served as Superintendent of Indian Affairs. He was instrumental in the peace talks with the Indians and settlers that led to the Treaty of Holston, a landmark in early Tennessee history. This treaty secured for the settlers the land they already inhabited, secured use of the Tennessee River, and allowed the construction of a road to Nashville.
In 1792, Blount had his mansion constructed on the banks of the Holston River, in an effort to convince his wife to move to the frontier with him. The effort was successful. The mansion is also the birthplace of our great state. It was on these grounds that Blount met with representatives of neighboring counties and drafted Tennessee's Constitution, which was signed in his office.
Shortly after Tennessee became a state Blount gained infamy for his role in the "Blount Conspiracy," which led to his impeachment. The territory now Louisiana was controlled by the Spain, which was then at war with Britain. While serving as senator, Blount and others conspired to help the British take over the land using settlers and Indians as soldiers, thus opening it for settlement by Americans. This was a daring plan, and when it was leaked to the press (by one of the conspirators who had too much to drink), it caused major problems for Philadelphia (then capital of the U.S.). America wanted to remain neutral on conflicts in Europe, and this destroyed that stance. The Senate was furious, and considered Blount's action treasonous. They prepared to impeach him. Blount would have none of this and returned to his home in Knoxville, where he received a hero's welcome.
Philadelphia sent for Blount, but couldn't find him. The people of Tennessee loved Blount, and didn't want to see their fledgling state embarrassed, so they helped him hide out. He never returned to Philadelphia.
After Blount's death in 1800, his beloved mansion fell into disrepair, and was in poor shape by 1925, when Mary Temple donated a check for $100 to help repair it. A year later, Blount Mansion Associated, Inc. was founded to protect the property.
Today, Blount Mansion is a major tourist attraction in East Tennessee. It is open from 9:30 - 5:00 Monday through Saturday. It also many special events, including the annual "Constitution Week," "Statehood Day," and the upcoming "Landmark Holidays," which lasts runs from December 2nd through 19th.
Landmark Holidays promises to be a treat for almost anyone. Hard as it may be to believe, Christmas trees were not always popular in America. What was Christmas like in those days? Stop by Blount Mansion and find out! The mansion will be decorated as it would have been during the 1790s, when the Blounts themselves lived here. It's a great way to see just how much Christmas celebrations have changed over the past 200 years, and to experience Tennessee history.
- John Brown is a senior in political science and history at the University of Tennessee @ Knoxville. Contact him at johnnyb325@aol.com, or visit www.johnnorrisbrown.com. This article originally appeared in the November 27 - December 3, 2003 edition of The East Tennessee Scene.