Northeast Tennessee Regional Attraction: Rocky Mount Museum

In the years prior to the Revolutionary War, William Cobb moved with his family from North Carolina to Northeast Tennessee. He then proceeded to build his 2-story log home in 1770-1772, which eventually became known as Rocky Mount.

Visitors to Rocky Mount Museum in Piney Flats, Tennessee, will take a step back in time. During the process, they will learn more about the history of this region and how life was 200 years ago. For instance, William Cobb provided the Overmountain Men with supplies as they made their way to the Battle of King's Mountain that occurred on October 7, 1780 and about which Theodore Roosevelt said "marked the turning point of the American Revolution." Later, Cobb and his two sons joined the fight and marched to North Carolina.

The land upon which Rocky Mount is located later became a part of the Southwest Territory. The people of this region attempted to create their own state, called the State of Franklin. This new State of Franklin was never recognized by the federal government and eventually dissolved. Cobb's log home, however, became the residence of the governor of the Southwest Territory, William Blount, who was appointed to his position by George Washington. Blount lived with the Cobb family from 1790 to 1792. In 1796, the Southwest Territory became the state of Tennessee.

When William Cobb and his wife Barsheba moved to Knoxville in 1795, Rocky Mount was left to their daughter Penelope. She later married Hal Massengill, and the home remained in the family until 1958. It was Pauline DeFriece, cousin of the then owner John Massengill, who decided that Rocky Mount should be owned and preserved by the state and opened to the public. She created the Rocky Mount Historical Association, which operates the site to this day. On April 1, 1962, Rocky Mount Museum opened to the public.

Today, the log house, which has seen many changes over the years, still remains virtually intact underneath the exterior renovations. In addition, there have been added to the site a kitchen, springhouse, slave cabin, barn, orchard, and gardens to give visitors more of a vision of the history of the time. The visitor center has been expanded to include a museum store; and a 175-seat auditorium with video output, a library, and 5 classrooms was added.

Daily tours are offered from March 3 through mid-December. These tours include costumed interpreters, who give visitors an insight into the life of that era. Rocky Mount also has programs for schools, which include a "Living History Tour and Craft" and preschool and kindergarten programs. Students will be able to gain hands-on knowledge of the crafts of the time. In addition, they will be able to see many of the farm animals. In addition, Rocky Mount will have Homeschool Days. (The event takes place this year on September 14 and on September 21, 2009.)

Rocky Mount Museum is a wonderful trip for the entire family. Set on a pristine site in upper East Tennessee, the area invites you onto the grounds and encourages you to linger awhile and learn more of a time gone-by. Also, plan to attend their "Candlelight Christmas."

Contact information:
Rocky Mount Museum
P.O. Box 160
Piney Flats, TN 37686
Email: Info@rockymountmuseum.com
Phone: 423-538-7396 or 888-538-1791
Visit their web site at: http://www.rockymountmuseum.com