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

Harris-McEwan House

Cary Harris (1806-1842)

Photographed By Steve Masler, March 1, 2020

1. Harris-McEwan House Marker

Inscription. At age 15, Cary Harris started the Franklin weekly newspaper, The Independent Gazette. Later, in 1824, he and his future brother-in-law, Abram P. Maury, Jr., began the Nashville Clarion, followed by the Nashville Republican in 1825. He married Martha Maury in 1829, In 1830, Harris purchased lots 41 & 42 in Hincheyville and built the rear portion of this house. Soon after, he was called to Washington D.C., by Andrew Jackson and served as chief clerk in the War Department. From1836-38, Harris served as commissioner of Indian Affairs. After a short stay in Little Rock, Ark., the Harris family returned to Franklin, where he died on June 17, 1842.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1824.

Location. 35° 55.45′ N, 86° 52.405′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Tennessee, in Williamson County. Marker is on Fair Street just east of North 7th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 611 Fair Street, Franklin TN 37064, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Harris-McEwan House (here, next to this marker); St. Paul's Episcopal Church

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(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hincheyville (about 400 feet away); Franklin Special School District (about 400 feet away); Franklin Cumberland Presbyterian Church (about 400 feet away); Field Hospitals (about 500 feet away); Williamson County (about 500 feet away); Chickasaw Treaty Council (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Regarding Harris-McEwan House. Cary Harris was a confidant of President Andrew Jackson. Jackson appointed Harris as Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in July of 1836, well into the enforcement of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Harris's time at the Bureau of Indian Affairs was short lived. He resigned in October after investigations revealed that he was involved in land deals using land forcibly vacated by Native Americans in Mississippi.

Photographed By Steve Masler, March 1, 2020

2. Harris-McEwan House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2020, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 216 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on March 9, 2020, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2020, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.