Rogersville is the second oldest town in Tennessee. It was settled in 1775 by the grandparents of Davey Crockett. In 1777 they perished in an Indian attack and are buried in the city park that bears their name. The town’s location along what was a major stagecoach route helped it grow and prosper. Rogersville’s rich historic legacy includes the state’s oldest original courthouse still in use, the state’s first newspaper and post office, and Tennessee’s oldest continuously operated inn. Tucked into the northeast corner of Tennessee, it's a beautiful spot that we called home for several happy years.

Early morning along Highway 11W - Rogersville

A hot summer afternoon along Highway 11W in Rutledge Tennessee, just west of Rogersville

Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum in Rogersville's old depot building — Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum in Rogersville's old depot building

George Roulstone was Tennessee's first printer. He was encouraged to settle in Rogersville by the new governor of the Southwest Territory,William Blount. Roulston printed Tennessee's first newspaper on November 5, 1791. Known as the cradle of Tennessee journalism, the town's printing heritage is chronicled in its Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum located in the historic Southern Railway depot.

Near Rogersville, Pressmen's Home was the headquarters for the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants Union of North America from 1911-67. The facility included a trade school, a sanitarium, a retirement home, a hotel, a post office, a chapel, a hydroelectric power production plant, and other facilities designed to make it a self-sufficient community. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. Sadly, it lies mostly in ruins.

September "Cruise In" downtown Rogersville. Music, food and lots of nice cars!

Window of the Southern Railway Depot - circa 1890 - on July 4th

The historic Hale Springs Inn was built in 1824 by John A. McKinney and has served as an inn and tavern continuously since its opening. Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James Polk were all guests at the inn. After some years of neglect, it has been restored and is now a bed and breakfast/fine dining restaurant. Highly recommended!

Roadside harvest decorations at a farm along Highway 70

The Hawkins County Courthouse in Rogersville is the seat of county government for Hawkins County. It was built in 1836 and is one of six antebellum courthouses still in use in Tennessee. It is the second oldest courthouse in use in the state and has recently undergone a complete renovation.