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Blount Mansion: Birthplace of Tennessee

Explore the roots of Tennessee at Knoxville's Blount Mansion, home of William Blount and the Southwest Territory capitol.

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Step back in time at Blount Mansion, Knoxville's only National Historic Landmark and Tennessee's oldest operating museum [2]. Built in 1792, it was the home of William Blount, signer of the U.S. Constitution and territorial governor, and served as the capitol of the Southwest Territory [2, 7].

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Blount Mansion

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
200 W Hill Ave, Knoxville, Downtown, Tennessee, 37902, US
Tuesday
10 am-4 pm
Wednesday
10 am-4 pm
Thursday
10 am-4 pm
Friday
10 am-4 pm
Saturday
10 am-4 pm
Sunday
12 pm-4 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Blount Mansion.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Check the Blount Mansion website for seasonal hours and special events before visiting [2, 3].
Consider a guided tour to learn more about the history of the mansion and its inhabitants [2].
Visit during the holiday season for special candlelit Christmas experiences [17].

Discover more about Blount Mansion

Blount Mansion, nestled in downtown Knoxville, is a significant historical site known as the "Birthplace of Tennessee" [2, 3]. Constructed circa 1792, it served as the home of William Blount, a signer of the U.S. Constitution and the governor of the Southwest Territory [2, 7]. During this time, the mansion functioned as the territorial capitol and the family home [2].The mansion stands as one of Knoxville's oldest structures in its original location [2]. Its construction reflects Blount's status as a political figure and influential businessman [3]. The house was made of sawn lumber brought from North Carolina, a contrast to the log cabins common in the area at the time [3]. Known by the Cherokee Indians as "the house with many eyes," Blount Mansion has witnessed significant events in American history [3].Today, Blount Mansion operates as a historic home museum, maintained by the Blount Mansion Association [2]. Visitors can explore the house and grounds, including the hall, parlor, sleeping chamber, and reconstructed kitchen [3]. The site also features a Visitor Center with exhibits and a museum shop [3]. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the lives of the Blount family and the history of the Southwest Territory [2]. The mansion is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, with varying hours depending on the season [2, 3]. Admission fees apply, with discounts for seniors and children [3].

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    Getting There

    Walking

    Blount Mansion is located in downtown Knoxville at 200 W Hill Ave, easily accessible on foot from many downtown hotels and attractions [3, 4]. From Market Square, walk south on Gay Street, then turn right onto W Hill Avenue. The mansion will be on your right. Allow approximately 10-15 minutes for the walk. No costs are associated with this approach.

    Public Transport

    Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) provides bus service throughout the city [8, 11, 13]. Several routes stop near Blount Mansion. Check the KAT website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information [8, 10]. From the Knoxville Station Transit Center, several routes will get you within a short walking distance of the Mansion. A single ride fare is $1 [8].

    Parking

    If driving, visitor parking is available at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center [6]. Several parking garages are also located within walking distance, including the Dwight Kessel Garage, City-County Building Garage, and Main Street Garage [9]. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around $10-15 for a few hours [9]. Contact Blount Mansion for daily and monthly parking permit information [6].

    A brief summary to Blount Mansion

    Use Blount Mansion as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.

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