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Travellers' Rest
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| Location: | SE of I-65 exit 78 |
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| Nearest city: | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Built: | 1799 |
| Architectural style: | Greek Revival |
| NRHP Reference#: | 69000179 |
| Added to NRHP: | December 30, 1969 |
Travellers Rest is a historic plantation in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1799, the two story structure with four rooms was built by Judge John Overton (1766–1833). Overton was an advisor and close friend of Andrew Jackson, judge at the Superior Court of Tennessee and co-founder of Memphis, Tennessee. Overton originally named the property Golgotha after the large number of prehistoric skulls that were unearthed while digging the cellar of the house.[1] Archaeologists now know that these remains were part of a large Mississippian village site. Overton changed the name of the plantation to Travellers Rest in the early 19th century to reflect the recreational effect his home had on him after the long rides on horseback that he had to undertake as a circuit judge.[2] Overton died at Travellers Rest on April 12, 1833.
The plantation building was saved from demolition and restored in 1954 to become a museum. Additional archaeological finds were reported from the property as recently as 1995, when construction at the visitors center resulted in disturbance of additional human burials.[3] As of 2008, the Travellers Rest Plantation & Museum houses exhibits that document the life and work of John Overton, the history of the Overton Plantation and Nashville in the Civil War. It is located at 636 Farrell Parkway in Nashville.[2] Travellers Rest is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[4]
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