The early home of Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier, is preserved at Marble Springs (1220 John Sevier Hwy., 865/573-5508, www.discoveret.org/jsma [1], Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., free, tours $4), five miles south of downtown Knoxville [2]. Sevier received 640 acres at the foot of Bays Mountain for his service in the Revolutionary War, and he named the property Marble Springs because there were marble deposits and a large spring.
By 1792 Sevier established a farm residence at Marble Springs, although he and his family lived here only periodically. They also had a home in Knoxville [2].
After Sevier died in 1815, the property changed hands several times until the State of Tennessee bought it in 1941. It remains state-owned, and is operated by the Gov. John Sevier Memorial Association.
Over the years, the log home has been restored and several historically accurate outbuildings have been added. Workshops and living-history days are offered year-round.
Links:
[1] http://www.discoveret.org/jsma
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/tennessee/knoxville