Rock Castle is one of Tennessee's most important structures. It is
one of Tennessee's first stone masonry houses. Construction began
around 1796, and was completed in 1885. The stone walls are 22" thick. It is a blend of Georgian and Federal style architecture.
The house was built on 3,140 acres of land given to Daniel Smith
in payment for his survey work. He is credited with surveying the land
that became Tennessee ( at the time it was still part of North Carolina)
Mr. Smith is also credited with naming the land Tennessee, and producing
the first map of the state. He also surveyed and mapped out what would
become Nashville.
Daniel Smith (1748 - 1818) is probably best remembered for his
survey work, but his resume is lengthy, and impressive. Mr Smith was
also a Captain during the Revolutionary War, Brigadier General of the
Mero District Militia, U.S. Senator, and Indian Treaty negotiator.
Mr. Smith had also studied Medicine briefly, and was appointed a trustee to the Davidson Academy (Nashville's 1st institute of higher learning).
