First Families Reunion
Tennessee's Founding Families Gather at Rocky Mount
Revolutionary Patriots & Frontier Pioneers: Come Home to Where Tennessee Began
September 11-13, 2026
Where the South Moved West
In 1790, Governor William Blount arrived at Rocky Mount to establish the Southwest Territory—the first federal territorial government south of the Ohio River. While the Northwest Territory was already organized in Ohio, Rocky Mount became the seat of government for all lands ceded by North Carolina, proving that American democratic governance could extend across the southern frontier.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Rocky Mount invites all descendants of Revolutionary patriots and early frontier families to gather at the place where southern expansion formally began under federal authority. Whether your ancestors fought at Yorktown or settled the Cumberland, signed the Declaration or governed the Territory, you're part of the story that unfolded here.
You're Invited If Your Family:
- Served in the American Revolution (SAR/DAR members welcome!)
- Lived in the Southwest Territory before Tennessee statehood (June 1, 1796)
- Settled the American frontier from the Appalachians westward before 1800
- Served in territorial government, militia, or early state positions
- Established homesteads, businesses, or churches in early settlements
- Descends from any of America's founding families who pushed westward
If you're eligible for SAR, DAR, or similar patriotic societies, you're part of our First Families story.
🏛️ Living History
Experience 1791 life with period interpreters, demonstrations, and authentic frontier activities
📜 Genealogy Resources
Professional genealogists and SAR/DAR representatives to help trace your Revolutionary and frontier roots
🎤 Stories & Panels
Historians share the dramatic connection between Revolutionary ideals and westward expansion
🤝 Family Connections
Meet fellow descendants of patriots and pioneers who built America beyond the mountains
Hosted by the Cobb, Massingale & Defriece Families
William Cobb built Rocky Mount around 1770 and welcomed Governor Blount to establish territorial headquarters here in 1790. His descendants, along with the Massingale and Defriece families—among the area's earliest settlers—serve as Honored Host Families for this gathering.
As the families who literally opened their home to create Tennessee, they now invite all First Families to gather at the place where it all began.
Event Schedule
Host Family Evening
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Private reception for Cobb, Massingale, and Defriece family descendants. Special recognition ceremony and intimate gathering at Rocky Mount.
By invitation (Cobb/Massingale/Defriece descendants)
Main Gathering
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full day of living history demonstrations, genealogy workshops, historical presentations, period music, traditional crafts, family photo sessions, and catered frontier-style meal.
Open to all registered First Families
Frontier Worship Service
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Optional 1791-style worship service in the historic tradition of early Tennessee congregations. Open to all.
Free and open to the public
Registration Opens January 2026
Join SAR, DAR, and patriotic society members from across America for this historic gathering where Revolutionary ideals met frontier reality. Whether your ancestors wore Continental blue or cleared wilderness homesteads, this is your homecoming.
Join the Interest List (Coming Soon) Learn More About Rocky Mount (Coming Soon)