BLOUNT MANSION: The Birthplace of Tennessee

BLOUNT MANSION witnessed the birth and growth of Knoxville, housed Tennessee governors and prominent Knoxville families, and later became slum housing on the Knoxville riverfront. It was saved by early preservationists from destruction and survives today to tell the stories of Tennessee’s birth and growth.

William Blount (1749-1800), a signer of the United States Constitution, chose to build his home in Knoxville after signing the Treaty of the Holston on the banks of the Holston River just a few hundred yards away from the Mansion’s location. Blount’s home would serve as the de facto capital of the Southwest Territory and his private home. The care in construction and the size and shape of the home reflects Blount’s position as a Territorial Governor, head of a prominent family, and an influential land speculator.

The house frame was constructed of wood, covered in wood siding, and included nails made in North Carolina and glass made in Virginia. Unlike most homes during that time, the structure was made of timber rather than rough logs or hand-hewn timbers. The home was originally constructed as a hall and parlor house with two rooms downstairs and a half story loft. Later, wings were constructed. Blount’s office stands behind the west wing of the mansion. The office is a one-story frame and clapboard structure with a brick chimney.

By 1925, the structure was in considerable disrepair, and the area around the mansion was rundown and surrounded by slums. During this time, a local real estate developer had made plans to purchase the property and demolish it to make room for a parking lot for the Andrew Johnson Hotel, which was being constructed across the street. In response, prominent Knoxville citizen Mary Boyce Temple (1856-1929) purchased the option for the property for $100 in November 1925, and in 1926, the Blount Mansion Association was chartered to restore and preserve the property. Temple served as the Association’s first president. The mansion opened to the public in 1930. In 1935, the Knoxville Garden Club assumed the maintenance of the grounds around the mansion, a partnership that still exists today.

In 1965, the mansion was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It is the only structure in Knoxville and one of only 31 Tennessee structures with that designation. Today, the structure is one of the oldest in Knoxville still standing in its original location and hosts tours, special events, field trips, and educational events.

Blount Mansion is open for tours Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from noon to 4 pm. For more information, visit BlountMansion.org.

The Knox Heritage mission is to protect Knoxville’s unique charac ter for future generations by preserving, restoring, and transforming historically significant structures and places. Established in 1974 as a nonprofit historic preservation organization, Knox Heritage is char tered by the state of Tennessee and governed by a bo

MORETHAN

200 stunning quilts will be on display June 23-24 in the Knoxville Expo Center. Hosted by the Smoky Mountain Quilters of Tennessee (SMQ), the show will take place from 9 am to 5 pm on Friday and 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday.

“Quilts are not just bedcovers; they can be beautiful works of art,” said Sue Serrano, SMQ Show Co-Chair. “Come and enjoy a creative display of color, texture, and design proudly exhibited by many talented quilters.”

To educate and inspire others about the innovative use of quilting to create art, the SMQ show this year will feature a special exhibit of 23 art quilts called Threefold: The Art of the Triptych. This unique exhibit is on loan from the Mountain Art Quilters, a group of Western North Carolina fiber artists who create original artwork. Members of the group challenged themselves to create three-part art quilts that meet the definition of a triptych, which is three associated artworks intended to be appreciated together.

Another highlight of the show is an antique quilt turning and quilt history discussion by Merikay Waldvogel, a well-known quilt historian, author, and 2009 Quilters Hall of Fame inductee. Merikay’s presentation will take place on Friday, June 23, at 11 am and 1 pm. Other special attractions include the SMQ Boutique, which offers a unique selection of items hand-crafted by guild members, and a scavenger hunt for the young ones. Certified Appraiser Cindy Stuart will offer quilt appraisals by appointment. To schedule an appraisal, call Cindy at 865-386-0940.

Two-day passes are available, and children under age 12 are free. Parking is free and accessible to the disabled. Visit SmokyMTNQuilters.com, follow us on Facebook, or email us info@SmokyMTNQuilters.com for more information about the show and the guild.

About Smoky Mountain Quilters

The Smoky Mountain Quilters of Tennessee typically meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Messiah Lutheran Church (intersection of Papermill Drive and Kingston Pike) in Knoxville. Please check the SMQ website, as dates and locations may vary. SMQ strives to advance the knowledge and appreciation of the craftsmanship, artistic expression, and historical significance of quiltmaking; to sponsor and support charitable projects to provide encouragement to those in need; and to promote friendship through shared activities. The guild’s approximately 100 members range from novice to master quilters in diverse quilt styles, including traditional and art quilts, complex and minimalist modern designs, miniatures and bed-sized, and hand- or machine-stitched.