Haunted History and Southern Charm: Discover the Magic of Jonesborough, Tennessee

Haunted History and Southern Charm: Discover the Magic of Jonesborough, Tennessee

Some folks whisper that the ghost of Andrew Jackson can be seen wandering Jonesborough’s streets or coming and going from Major Christopher Taylor’s cabin, just blocks from the Washington County Courthouse. And it very well may be true. He practiced law here and was a judge. Several of the early exploits that make up Jackson’s
larger-than-life legend unfolded here – including at least one of his duels and the rescuing of a prized race horse from a
burning barn. And the history of this place does not stop at Old Hickory.

Nicknamed “Tennessee’s Oldest Town”; Jonesborough was founded in 1779 when Tennessee was still claimed by North Carolina, and it was the capital for the failed 14th State of the U.S., known as the State of Franklin.

Located less than two hours from Knoxville, Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina, Jonesborough is a history buff’s dream town.

Aside from Jackson and the State of Franklin, the Jonesborough Historic District, which is essentially the entire downtown area, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 for the simple reason that building after building lining the streets was built circa 1800-something and remains standing there today, preserved
and protected by a vigilant Historic Zoning Commission.

A leisurely walking tour of downtown is the only way to truly appreciate these old buildings, both for what they were in the past and what they are today.

Highlights
o International Storytelling Center
o Jonesborough Repertory Theatre
o Chester Inn State Historic Site
o Tennessee Hills Distillery
o Wetlands Water Park

Must Do’s:
o Historic Walking Tour with Heritage Alliance Museum
o Appalachian Ghost Tour
o McKinney Center for Creativity
o Chuckey Deport Museum
o Washington County/Jonesborough Museum

To EAT check out:
o The Corner Cup
o The Black Olive
o Rocky’s Pizza
o Texas Burrito’s
o The Lollipop Shop
o Old Town Dairy

Explore
o Persimmon Park
o Mill Spring Park
o Stage Road Park
o Golden Oak Park & Depot Park (Families)
o Jimmy Niel Smith Park

Shop at:
o Crafty Peddler
o Boone Street Market
o Doll House
o Duke & Fox
o Mill Springs Makers Market
o Tennessee Quilts
o Gabriel’s Christmas

Stay
o Eureka Inn
o Blair Moore House
o Franklin House
o Jonesborough Bed & Breakfast