Historic Travellers Rest

Historic Travellers Rest The 1799 home of John Overton, Nashville's oldest house museum open to the public.
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We are dedicated to preserving the the 1799 home of Judge John Overton and serving as a gateway for learners of all ages to explore Nashville's historic past.

You've been picturing this day your whole life. Rolling grounds, whispering trees, and a venue full of soul. This is whe...
06/03/2026

You've been picturing this day your whole life. Rolling grounds, whispering trees, and a venue full of soul. This is where forever begins. 🌲

Call Ashley to schedule your wedding venue tour today. 615-832-8197 x 10.

Happy Birthday to the Volunteer State! Tennessee turns 230 years old today! George Washington officially declared Tennes...
06/01/2026

Happy Birthday to the Volunteer State! Tennessee turns 230 years old today! George Washington officially declared Tennessee to be the 16th state on June 1, 1796. Since then, the state has hailed three United States presidents, including Andrew Jackson (Judge Overton’s Best Friend), James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson.

The volunteer state got its nickname when over 20,000 Tennesseeians volunteered to fight in the War of 1812. Several years later, President James K. Polk, one of our state’s three presidents, issued a call for 2,800 volunteers to enlist in the Mexican-American War. Over 30,000 Tennesseeians responded, more than in any other state.

From the mountains in the east to the deltas of the west and the rolling hills in between, celebrate Tennessee’s history today!

On May 30th, 1806, future president Andrew Jackson killed Charles Dickinson in a duel in Kentucky. The practice of dueli...
05/30/2026

On May 30th, 1806, future president Andrew Jackson killed Charles Dickinson in a duel in Kentucky. The practice of dueling originated in medieval Europe where gentlemen settled disputes of honor in one-on-one combat. In fact, being “called out” comes from publicly challenging an adversary to a duel. Andrew Jackson was known for a quick temper and was involved in a few dueling situations, but his 1806 duel was the only one in which shots were fired. The conflict began as a disagreement over a horse race, but escalated when Dickinson insulted Jackson’s wife, Rachel. The first shot was fired by Charles Dickinson, striking Jackson in the chest. Even after being wounded, Jackson shot Dickinson who later succumbed to his wounds. Jackson was permanently affected by this duel. His reputation was damaged by this public killing and he carried Dickinson’s bullet inside his chest for the remainder of his life.

Image courtesy of Library of Congress

After the Civil War, John Overton II received a pardon for his financial support of the Confederacy, but regaining his p...
05/29/2026

After the Civil War, John Overton II received a pardon for his financial support of the Confederacy, but regaining his property proved far more difficult. Although he took the required oath, Union General George H. Thomas challenged its validity, beginning a long legal battle that reached President Andrew Johnson.

At the same time, federal policy was shifting. The Freedmen’s Bureau had initially managed nearly 800,000 acres of confiscated land, with plans to redistribute to formerly enslaved people. However, Johnson’s Amnesty Proclamation in May 1865 restored property rights to most former Confederates. This new policy resulted in evictions and forced labor contracts for many formerly enslaved people who had hoped to begin a new life on their own land. Overton regained his property but at great cost to others, and Johnson’s mismanagement of Reconstruction led to his impeachment.

Image courtesy of Tennessee Virtual Archive

On the 26th of May, 1821, John Overton Jr. was born to John and Mary Overton of Travellers Rest. He was the eldest child...
05/26/2026

On the 26th of May, 1821, John Overton Jr. was born to John and Mary Overton of Travellers Rest. He was the eldest child and only son of Judge Overton. After Judge Overton’s death in 1833, John Overton Jr. inherited one-tied of the Travellers Rest estate including the house and became one of Tennessee’s prominent leaders. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, John Overton Jr was known as the wealthiest man in Tennessee with a net worth estimated at $5,000,000. As a successful businessman, Overton made contributions to Nashville’s changing landscape. In 1853, he allowed the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad to install a line through his land, which remains to this day. He also built the Maxwell House Hotel in downtown Nashville, foreshadowing the city’s growing tourism industry. He died in 1898, leaving Travellers Rest to his descendants who continued to own the home until 1946.

Travellers Rest Summer Camps start next week! There are still spots in several camps if your summer plans have changed. ...
05/22/2026

Travellers Rest Summer Camps start next week! There are still spots in several camps if your summer plans have changed.

Visit our website or contact Andy Blair to register.

Junior Docent is one of our campers favorite camps. Attendees get to learn all the ins and outs of being a docent or mus...
05/21/2026

Junior Docent is one of our campers favorite camps. Attendees get to learn all the ins and outs of being a docent or museum guide, from behind the scenes access, to caring for items, to sharing the stories of Travellers Rest. Campers even get to lead a tour for their special guests to end the week!

Spend your wedding day surrounded by those that build you up! John Myers Photography
05/20/2026

Spend your wedding day surrounded by those that build you up!



John Myers Photography

Our first camp of the summer is a storyteller camp. Campers will learn the art of storytelling and get the opportunity t...
05/18/2026

Our first camp of the summer is a storyteller camp. Campers will learn the art of storytelling and get the opportunity to create their own masterpieces to share throughout the week! Topic include the supernatural, history, and love and romance, so there is something for all young troubadours.

To register, visit our website.

Happy National Walnut Day! Walnuts have been used throughout history for a variety of purposes. They have been a food so...
05/17/2026

Happy National Walnut Day! Walnuts have been used throughout history for a variety of purposes. They have been a food source, used for dyes, and medicine for many cultures around the world. One use would have been to make black walnut ink. Black walnuts create an ink ranging from a rich brown to a black hue. This summer, children at our camps will have the opportunity to write with an old fashioned feather quill and walnut ink.

Address

636 Farrell Pkwy
Nashville, TN
37220

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10am - 4:30pm
Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(615) 832-8197

Website

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