Portland in Sumner County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Fountain Head

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, April 23, 2023

1. Fountain Head Marker

Inscription. Fountain Head was named for a large spring which emerged 2.4 miles northeast of here near Drake's Creek. Long hunters had explored the area, but James Gwin and family, who came in 1792, were among the first permanent settlers. Gwin fought in the Revolution and later served as a chaplain with Andrew Jackson at New Orleans in the War of 1812. Gwin had several sons who contributed to the growth of Fountain Head and of the nation. His son, Samuel Gwin became the first postmaster of Fountain Head in 1828.

Reverse Side
Another son, William M., settled in the West and became one of the first U. S. Senators from California. Among other early settlers was William McKendree, who became a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In Nov. 1812, at the home of Micajah House, he and Bishop Francis Asbury presided over the formation of the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A school, McKendree Academy, was opened in 1874 and was named for the bishop.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 171.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

36° 32.93′ N, 86° 30.366′ W. Marker is in Portland, Tennessee, in Sumner County. Marker is at the intersection of Highway 109 North and Fountainhead Road, on the right when traveling north on Highway 109 North. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3253 Hwy 109 N, Portland TN 37148, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bishop William McKendree (approx. 0.8 miles away); Old Fountain Head Meeting House (approx. 1.7 miles away); Origins of Portland Masonic Lodge #326 (approx. 1.7 miles away); Highland Community (approx. 1.9 miles away); History of the Highland Community (approx. 2 miles away); Invasion of Kentucky (approx. 2.2 miles away); Portland - Strawberry Capital of Middle Tennessee (approx. 2.2 miles away); Richland (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portland.

Fountain Head Marker - Reverse Side image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, April 23, 2023

2. Fountain Head Marker - Reverse Side

Fountain Head Marker ( left side of photo, at base of traffic light post) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, April 23, 2023

3. Fountain Head Marker ( left side of photo, at base of traffic light post)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 292 times since then and 139 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 23, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.