Old Salem in Franklin County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Jesse Bean

Photographed By Tom Gillard, January 3, 2010

1. Jesse Bean Marker

Inscription. The first permanent settler in what later became Franklin Co., he established a forge and gunsmith shop in a cave on Caney Hollow Branch, about three miles north, shortly after 1800. A gunsmith of great ability, his 45-inch long rifles became famous throughout the pioneer country.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2E 30.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.

Location. 35° 5.063′ N, 86° 15.04′ W. Marker is in Old Salem, Tennessee, in Franklin County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 64 and Old Salem Lexie Road, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 64. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Belvidere TN 37306, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Falls Mill (here, next to this marker); Polly Finlay Crockett (approx. 1.6 miles away); "Kentuck" (approx. 2 miles away); Huntland Veterans Memorial (approx. 2½ miles away); Hunter's Grocery (approx. 2½ miles away); John Ruch

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(approx. 3.6 miles away); Lincoln County / Franklin County (approx. 4 miles away); First United Church, U.C.C. (approx. 4.7 miles away).

Additional commentary.
1. Davy Crockett's rifles
I believe that Davy Crockett carried several rifles made by Jesse Bean to Texas in 1836 and used one of the rifles in the Alamo. My research shows that Davy sold two rifles to Col. Neal of the Texas Army. There is a rifle on display at the Alamo that fits the description of the type rifle that Jesse built. I own the cave where Jesse had his gunsmith shop and I am interested in finding out more about where his rifles ended up. If anyone has any info on this, I would like to hear from you.

— Submitted July 15, 2011, by Robert Walker of Belvidere, Tennessee.

Photographed By Tom Gillard, January 3, 2010

2. Jesse Bean Marker

Jesse Bean's Cave image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Robert Walker, February 19, 2010

3. Jesse Bean's Cave

This is the cave where Jesse Bean had his gunsmith shop in the early 1800's.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2010, by Tom Gillard of Tullahoma, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,500 times since then and 93 times this year. Last updated on June 5, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2010, by Tom Gillard of Tullahoma, Tennessee. 3. submitted on July 15, 2011, by Robert Walker of Belvidere, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.