Blount Mansion

Designer: Diane Wick

Embroiderers: Jane Eraseland and Marjorie Campbell

Year Created: 1983

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Blount Mansion, circa 1792, was the first museum house in Knoxville
to be designated a Registered Historic Landmark by the National Park
Service. Built by William Blount, the only Governor of the Southwest
Territory and a signer of the U.S. Constitution, the size and construction
reflect Blount’s position as head of a prominent family and influential
land speculator. It was one of the first wood framed houses west of the
Allegheny Mountains, and nails were made at the Blount family’s nailery
near Tarboro, North Carolina. The window glass came from Richmond,
Virginia, and Blount Mansion was known as “The House with Many
Eyes.” The stately house served as the Blount family home as well as the
territorial capitol and was restored and opened for tours in 1930. It is
surrounded by 18th Century-style gardens.