The Springhouse

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

In the old days, springhouses did the job of

refrigerators. This springhouse served the

occupants of the farm from the 18th through

the early 20th centuries.

It was built directly over the spring and

shaded by trees. Cool spring water flowing

into the structure ...

Springhouses and Root Cellars

These small caves carved into the shale cliffside at one time served as springhouses and root cellars for the residents of this block.

The cooler subsurface temperatures of a root cellar helped preserve herbs, vegetables, and fruits in the days ...

Springhouse

1764

In 1747, the Moravians fenced in the spring to keep out domestic animals and fowl. Early recoreds also state that one a year, two men were assigned to clean the spring “by the light of the moon.”

A bountiful spring was ...

Court Square & Springhouse

Temporary Prison Camp

During the Civil War, a road (Market Street) ran east and west through the courthouse square, dividing it roughly in half. The courthouse occupied the northern portion while the jail, clerk’s office, and springhouse were in the ...

Ray Springhouse

Wilson's Creek

In the valley just below is a stone springhouse, part of the historic property of John Ray, whose house stands on the hill above you. The springhouse provided water, and also a cool place to store milk, eggs, butter, ...

The Springhouse

Water for The Hermitage

Of all the enticements Tennessee offered settlers, one promised both survival and a future: Water. Falling from above, bubbling up from below, flowing in broad river “highways”: Water.

Two natural free-flowing springs made The Hermitage a fine site ...