Hale Springs Inn
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Hale Springs Inn, built in 1824 on the Courthouse Square in Rogersville, Tennessee, was the oldest continuously-operated Inn in Tennessee.
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[edit] Early history
The Inn was originally built in 1824-25 by John McKinney, a local lawyer and businessman, to compete with the tavern operated by the founder of Rogersville, Joseph Rogers, on the Great Stage Road that ran through Knoxville, Tennessee toward the Cumberland Gap.
[edit] Distinguished guests
During the nineteenth century, the Inn played host to many famous personages as they made their way into the thriving new state of Tennessee. Among them were United States Presidents Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson.
[edit] During the American Civil War
During the American Civil War, East Tennessee and her citizens were deeply divided over the issues of slavery, States' rights, and secession that ultimately led to Tennessee's break with the Union.
This conflict was reflected by the buildings Rogersville's occupiers chose when they controlled the town. Early in the war, Union forces captured the town, and during their occupation, they set their headquarters in the Hale Springs Inn, which was on the south side of Main Street, but faced north.
When the Confederacy retook Rogersville in Spring 1863 during the Battle of Big Creek, they established their headquarters in the building across the street from the Inn, the Kyle House -- which was on the north side of Main Street, but faced south.
[edit] Into the twentieth century
After the divisive war, the name of the Inn was changed to Hale Springs Hotel, and it began to serve as a stopping point for tourists who were on their way to see nearby Hale Springs Resort, a famous hot mineral springs near Rogersville.
The Inn continued to serve as a hotel until it closed briefly in 1980, when it was purchased, fully restored to its 1820-30s appearance, and reopened as Hale Springs Inn.
[edit] The crown jewel of downtown Rogersville
After its owner, Captain Carl Netherland-Brown closed the Inn in 1999, the Rogersville Heritage Association decided to purcahse the Inn and continue to operate it as an inn -- and as the crown jewel of Rogersville's downtown historic district.
The Inn was undergoing extensive renovations in Spring 2006 with an expected opening date sometime prior to Heritage Days in October 2006.
