If you love U.S. history, old houses, and a good road trip, this one’s for you.
Tennessee isn’t just about country music and mountain views, but also about places tied to real presidents who helped shape America.
On this trip, you’ll walk through rooms where big decisions were made, see the tombs of former presidents, and stand in the exact spots where history happened.
From early frontier politics to post-Civil War struggles, this road trip covers it all, and every stop tells a story you won’t forget.
1. President James K. Polk Home and Museum
The President James K. Polk Home and Museum is located in Columbia, about 45 minutes from Nashville.
It’s the only surviving home of President Polk, other than the White House, and was built in 1816 by his father while Polk was a young man.
Inside, you’ll find original furniture, letters, and even Polk’s personal items, including his law books and campaign materials.
These collections reflect Polk’s legacy as the 11th U.S. president, with the museum highlighting his role in expanding the country by over a million square miles.
2. James K. Polk Tomb at Tennessee State Capitol
After exploring Polk’s home, head to the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville to see where he was laid to rest.
His tomb sits in a quiet spot on the Capitol grounds, just steps from where major state decisions are made today.
Polk died just a little over three months after leaving the presidency and was initially buried at his Nashville home.
His remains were later moved here to honor his deep ties to Tennessee politics.
It’s a powerful stop that connects his life, his influence, and the state he helped shape.
3. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Next up is The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s sprawling plantation home in the town of Hermitage.
This massive 1,120-acre property served as his residence before and after his time as the 7th U.S. president.
You can tour the Greek Revival-style mansion, stroll through the historic gardens, and visit the tomb where he and his wife Rachel are buried.
Here, Jackson’s fierce personality comes through in everything, from his war hero memorabilia to the handwritten letters on display in the museum.
4. Blount Mansion
Then there’s Blount Mansion in Knoxville, one of the city’s oldest remaining houses and a place filled with early presidential connections.
Built in 1792, this was the home of William Blount, a signer of the U.S. Constitution and governor of the Southwest Territory (the area that later became Tennessee).
The mansion even welcomed Andrew Jackson during his early political career, adding another layer to its story.
And today, you can walk across creaky floorboards, peek into the rooms, and stand in the exact spot where some of Tennessee’s earliest leaders left their mark.
5. Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
Finish your road trip at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, where the 17th president’s story comes to life in a big way.
This site features his tailor shop, two of his homes, and even the cemetery where he rests beside a 28-foot monument.
Rising to the presidency after Lincoln’s assassination, Johnson led the country through the messy early days of Reconstruction.
You’ll sense that struggle in the exhibits, especially in his humble tailor shop, where his journey to the White House began.
Related Posts
