The Carter Mansion was built around 1780 by John Carter and his son, Landon Carter.  It is the oldest frame house in Tennessee.

Click here to browse Carter family information on this Web site.

John Carter was elected as Chairman of the Court under the terms of the Articles of the Watauga Association. The house is possibly the only remaining link to the Watauga Association and the first government west of the mountains.

The house was used as a private residence by the Thomas family up until the late 20th Century, but three of its rooms still retain their original wall finishes including an original mural in an upstairs room.

The Carters are buried in a small family cemetery to the east of the mansion.

The site is now maintained by the Tennessee State Parks.