The Campbell Station Inn

The Campbell Station Inn. . History tells us that as early as 1785, the State of Franklin (today Tennessee) entered into an agreement, known as the Dumplin Creek Treaty, with the Cherokees. This treaty opened the land along the French Broad and Holston rivers to a rush of settlers.

The current Campbell Station - Farragut community, on the western edge of Knox County, had its beginnings in the late 1700s. Arriving on March 7, 1787, the Campbell clan, along with others, became the first permanent settlers of European descent to call this area home. These early settlers struggled against a hostile environment to carve a settlement out of primeval wilderness that is now called the Town of Farragut. Upon arriving, Col. David Campbell build a cabin to protect against attack by the native peoples who resented the presence of their new neighbors.

Shortly after settling the area, Col. Campbell built a stage coach station known as Campbell's Station. The original "Block House", as it was called, was built on the northwest corner of present-day Kingston Pike and Campbell Station Road. As the area grew with expansion and migration to the western frontier, the station grew as well. In 1824, Campbell sold the property to Samuel Martin for a sum of $10,000. Martin made many additions and changes to the property. It is unclear how extensive these additions were. The property was later purchased by Matthew Russell and is sometimes referred to as the Avery-Russell House.

The Inn served as a favorite stopping place for families, hunters and stock drivers passing through Knoxville. Recognized as one of the earliest inns in Tennessee, it was host to such notables as President Andrew Jackson, Louis Phillippe (who later became King of France), famed British geologist G. W. Featherstone and the French botanist Andre Michaux. The house also played an important role in the Civil War battle known as the Battle of Campbell's Station which was fought in the area on Nov. 16, 1863. During the battle, the house sheltered both Union and Confederate wounded. Faint blood stains remain on the old pine floors. . This historical marker was erected by Farragut Museum. It is in Farragut in Knox County Tennessee