Greeneville, the county seat of Greene County was established in the late eighteenth century, and is one of the most important towns in historic East Tennessee. Although many of the early buildings have been destroyed, there remain yet a large number of buildings important from either a historical or architectural standpoint.[2][3]
The Greeneville Historic District consists of an area a block in each direction of Main Street from McKee Street to Nelson Street, comprising an area of about 135 acres containing approximately 175 structures.[2][3]
Greeneville was established in 1783 around a spring, which is located almost in the heart of town. It was named in honor of General Nathanael Greene of Revolutionary War fame, and was settled by the Scotch-Irish. Its location along important early trade and stage routes caused it to become an important community in the years before the Civil War. Its citizens became prosperous enough to build substantial dwellings, and places of business, many of which form the heart of the historic district.[2][3]
List of historic structures
Representative buildings
Name
Address
Year Built
Architectural Style
Comments
Hotel Brumley
Hotel Brumley, now known as The General Morgan Inn, Greeneville, TN
109 North Main Street
1884
Unclassified
It was first called the Grand Central, and was considered to be the finest hotel "from Chattanooga to Roanoke."[2][3]
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Greeneville, TN
The building was constructed on land purchased from Andrew Johnson. During the Civil War it was used as both a hospital and a stable. On September 4, 1864, it was shelled.[2][3]
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church, Greeneville, TN
This was purchased by Andrew Johnson and lived in until his death, with the exception of the time he spent in Nashville and Washington D.C. as governor, congressman, senator, and president.[2][3]
Susong House
Susong House, Greeneville, TN
202 South Main Street
1795
Originally a Log Cabin, subsequently covered with clapboard
This was a two-story log house built by Valentine Sevier and later covered with clapboard. It is the oldest building in Greeneville.[2][3]
Clawson-McDowell-Brown Home
Clawson-McDowell-Brown Home, Greeneville, TN
It was perhaps the most imposing mansion in East Tennessee when it was built. During the Civil War it was used by both Union and Confederate armies as a headquarters. General Morgan spent his last night here, and was killed by Union Soldiers in the mansion's gardens.[2][3]
Other images
West Depot Street, which is included in the historic district
