Williamsport in Maury County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Gordon House

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 8, 2012

1. The Gordon House Marker

Inscription. One of the few remaining buildings associated with the Old Natchez Trace is the house of ferry operator John Gordon.

In the early 1800s Gordon made an agreement with the Chickasaw Chief George Colbert to operate a trading post and ferry on the Duck River.

Military expeditions with General Andrew Jackson kept him away from home much of the time. His wife Dorathea supervised the construction of the present house in 1817-18. John Gordon died shortly after it was completed, but Mrs. Gordon lived here until her death in 1859.

Erected by United States Department of the Interior National Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson, and the Natchez Trace series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 35° 43.213′ N, 87° 15.668′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Tennessee, in Maury County. Marker can be reached from Natchez Trace Parkway (at milepost 407) south of Williamsport Pike (Tennessee Route 50), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsport TN 38487, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as

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the crow flies. A different marker also named The Gordon House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Family Farm ... Working in Harmony with the Environment (approx. 2.1 miles away); Welcome! (approx. 2.4 miles away); Highland Rim Section (approx. 2.4 miles away); Natchez Trace Parkway (approx. 2.4 miles away); Jackson Branch – A Stolen Stream (approx. 2½ miles away); Old Trace Walk (approx. 3.3 miles away); Old Well Cemetery (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.

Also see . . . Natchez Trace Parkway. National Park Service (Submitted on October 15, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 8, 2012

2. The Gordon House Marker

One of the few remaining buildings associated with the Old Natchez Trace is the house of ferry operator John Gordon. Built in 1817-18, the Gordon House was one of the first brick homes in this area. In the early 1800's, Gordon settled here as ferry operator, trader, farmer, and Indian fighter. Because military expeditions kept him away from home, his wife Dorothea supervised the building of the house. Gordon died shortly after it was completed, but Mrs. Gordon lived here until her death 1859. In 1978 the National Park Service restored the house to its original appearance. A ten-minute walk beginning here leads to a section of the original Natchez Trace and the Duck River ferry site. The 450 mile (725km) Natchez Trace Parkway roughly follows the route of the old frontier road.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 8, 2012

3. The Gordon House Marker

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 8, 2012

4. The Gordon House Marker

The Gordon House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 8, 2012

5. The Gordon House

The Gordon House sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 8, 2012

6. The Gordon House sign

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 518 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 11, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.