Historical Significance
The small stone rock house, original built to collect tolls on a private road, was built between 1835 and 1839 by Barlow Fiske, who operated a stagecoach inn and stables nearby. The Sparta Rock House catered to traffic along an important wagon road between Knoxville and Nashville, offering badly needed lodging and supplies to travelers who had just crossed the rugged Cumberland Plateau.
Historical Designation
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National Register of Historic Places
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Tennessee Historical Commission
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Other: State Register of Historic Places - 1961
Historical Marker
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State of Marker Organization: Tennessee
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Marker Organization: Tennessee Historical Commission #2D 35
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Marker Text:
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"Built of Tennessee sandstone between 1835 and 1839 by Barlow and Madison Fiske. The Rock House served as a frontier toll house and stagecoach inn along the wilderness trail. President Andrew Jackson stopped here on his trips to and from Washington to visit Samuel Denton, owner and operator of the Rock House."
Information
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HSP Category: Building
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Period: 1835-1839
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Architect: Unknown
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HSP Style: Building
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Builder: Barlow and Madison Fiske
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Construction: Tennessee Sandstone
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No. Stories: 1
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Notable Features: Two original sandstone and brick fireplaces, mantles, window frames, doors and ceiling. Original owner: Samuel Denton; Current owner: State of Tennessee
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Original Use: Toll House and Stagecoach Inn
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Present Use: Tennessee State Historic Site & Museum. Rock House Chapter DAR meeting place.
Historic Markers
and Signs
