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
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.
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. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1812.
Location. 36° 32.93′
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Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee and in Greater Nashville. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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.
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, April 23, 2023
2. Fountain Head Marker - Reverse Side
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 November 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,897 times since then and 106 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.
