Sevierville in Sevier County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Lewis C. Buckner

circa 1856-1924

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2021

1. Lewis C. Buckner Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Born a slave, Lewis C. Buckner worked as a carpenter, cabinetmaker, and house builder in Sevier County after the Civil War. The talented African-American craftsman hand-carved elaborate furniture, mantels, staircases, and the exterior trim and porches for many Victorian-era houses. This house, enlarged around 1890 for Riley H. Andes, was one of Buckner's most ornate.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1C 80.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location. 35° 53.051′ N, 83° 34.275′ W. Marker is in Sevierville, Tennessee, in Sevier County. Marker is on Old Douglas Dam Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 812 Old Douglas Dam Rd, Sevierville TN 37876, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Knoxville, Sevierville & Eastern Railway (approx. one mile away); Forks of Little Pigeon Church

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(approx. one mile away); James Crawford Murphy (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Mayors of the City of Sevierville (approx. 1.1 miles away); Isaac Thomas (approx. 1.1 miles away); Timothy Reagan (approx. 1.1 miles away); James McMahan (approx. 1.1 miles away); Sevierville (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sevierville.

Regarding Lewis C. Buckner. Excerpt from the house's national Register nomination:

The ornamental wood trim seen on the Andes House was handcrafted by Louis (sic) Buckner, a talented Black carpenter who worked on a number of houses in Sevierville. In addition to designing and producing exterior wood, Buckner also made mantelpieces and furniture. His work is characterized by the use of both geometric and floral motifs. Several pieces of furniture believed to have been made by Buckner for the Andes are still in the house today. …

Also see . . .
1. Asset Detail | Riley H. Andes House. National Register of Historic Places nomination (PDF) and photographs

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2021

2. Lewis C. Buckner Marker

(PDF) submitted for the house in 1980. (Submitted on October 25, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Lewis Buckner. Wikipedia entry on the noted craftsman. (Submitted on October 25, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. Sevier County’s African-American architectural legacy. Article on Buckner, Isaac Dockery and other notable Black craftsman by Dave Tabler in the Appalachian History blog. (Submitted on October 25, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

The Andes House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2021

3. The Andes House

Example of Lewis C. Buckner's handiwork image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2021

4. Example of Lewis C. Buckner's handiwork

Detail of the Riley H. Andes House's front gable.

Lewis C. Buckner Dresser image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tennessee State Museum

5. Lewis C. Buckner Dresser

This elaborate dresser, crafted by Buckner in 1889, is in the Tennessee State Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 166 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 25, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.