NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) - As the State of Tennessee celebrates its 228th birthday Saturday, the site that helped with the state's creation is celebrating a $11 million upgrade.
Hendersonville's historic Rock Castle celebrated their groundbreaking for their new visitor center and site enhancements Friday, May 31.
The site was instrumental in the founding of Tennessee in 1796. Daniel Smith and his family lived on the property and it has since served as a state historical site.
"Rock Castle was built by Daniel Smith, and he was the person who wrote the Tennessee Constitution," Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary said. "He also made the first map for Tennessee, and named the State of Tennessee."
Historic Rock Castle Executive Director Sam Gilbert said this project will help transform the property and move it into the future for every Tennessean.
"A lot of people in this area are transplants, and a lot of times they realize old places carry their own history and significance," Gilbert said." "We're going to make history together."
The property will also have a storage barn built, parking areas improved, and several upgrades to the mansion. The current visitors center will be demolished and the pavilion will be moved to a different area of the property.
Construction will start in June and will last for a year to 18 months. Several state lawmakers who helped develop this project believe this will preserve Tennessee history.
To learn more about Rock Castle, click here.