Tennessee's First Capital:

Where Statehood Began

U.S. Territorial Capital 1790 - 1792

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Uncover the Story

Governor William Blount

A Founding Father.

A New Frontier.

A Nation in the Making.

Drawing of a man with powdered wig and 18th-century attire

Walk Where a Founding Father

Governed—and a Nation Took Shape

From 1790 to 1792, Governor William Blount—a signer of the U.S. Constitution—led the Southwest Territory directly from Rocky Mount. Chosen by President George Washington, Blount established foundational laws, managed pivotal land policies, and firmly guided the region on its path to becoming Tennessee. His leadership here was integral to a larger national vision: extending American governance to the frontier and expanding the reach of the new republic.

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Become Part of the Story

That Built a State.

Rocky Mount isn’t a museum behind glass

—it’s a living 1791 homestead.

Wander the very grounds where frontier families forged a future. Explore historic cabins, feel the warmth of a crackling hearth, meet heritage animals, and chat with costumed interpreters who bring Tennessee’s founding era to life—transforming history into an unforgettable adventure you truly experience.

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Learn About The History

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Rocky Mount &

America 250

Where Tennessee’s Story

Joins the Nation’s Legacy.

In 1790, a young United States placed its trust in a rugged log homestead on the edge of the American frontier. That place was Rocky Mount.

From this very ground, Governor William Blount—a signer of the U.S. Constitution and appointee of President George Washington—governed the vast Southwest Territory. His leadership made Rocky Mount the first federal capital beyond the original thirteen states—a bold outpost for a republic still finding its footing.

What happened here proved something extraordinary: that a fledgling nation could expand westward without abandoning its ideals. Rocky Mount became a proving ground for American democracy, federal authority, and civic order on the frontier.

As the United States approaches its 250th year of independence, Rocky Mount remains one of the few places where you can walk the grounds, hear the echoes of the past, and stand inside a national turning point.

This isn’t just Tennessee’s story—it’s America’s.

Join us July 5th,2025
10 AM – 5 PM, for our
Road to 250 Kick-Off Celebration
A full day of frontier experiences, family-friendly activities, and living history that honors the people and moments that shaped our nation.

Learn More American 250

Words from our Guests

An incredible step back into the 18th century! The costumed interpreters were so knowledgeable and truly brought history to life for our whole family. A must-visit!

—Amanda G, - Trip Advisor Review

Rocky Mount isn’t just a historic site; it’s an experience. Seeing the historic cabins, petting the baby lambs, and hearing the stories made Tennessee's early history so real and memorable. We’ll be back!

— David R.
Trip Advisor Review

Fascinating living history museum; loved all the sheep and real feeling of the old days! Good museum with many artifacts, etc. A must see.

— Mary R.
Trip Advisor Review

Take the tour. It is absolutely one of the more interesting tours we have taken. The tour guides dress in period clothes and speak in period dialects. The tour includes the museum, a 10-minute video, a tour of the Cobb House with period guides, a tour of the cookhouse and herb gardens with a period guide. The whole guided experience far exceeded our expectations.

— Westy F.
Trip Advisor Review

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Our Mission

Your contribution to Rocky Mount Historical Association helps directly support our mission of enriching the lives of the public through educational programs focused upon customs, values, and practices of the early settlers. We love serving our community and appreciate your support.

Discover the Roots of Early Tennessee