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
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: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • 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. It 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.
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
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Old Natchez Trace (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing).
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
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 8, 2012
5. The Gordon House
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 827 times since then and 23 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.
