Rock Castle (estate)

Rock Castle is a historic house museum and estate located in Hendersonville, Tennessee, United States. Built between 1784 and 1796, it was the home of Revolutionary War General Daniel Smith and his wife, Sarah Michie Smith.

The estate's name derives from the prominent limestone outcropping upon which the house is situated. Rock Castle stands as a significant example of late 18th-century frontier architecture and craftsmanship, reflecting the transition from log cabin dwellings to more refined, permanent structures as the Cumberland settlements developed.

The house itself is a two-story limestone structure featuring notable architectural details such as its Flemish bond brickwork on the front facade and its well-preserved interior woodwork. The property also includes several outbuildings, including a kitchen, springhouse, and family cemetery, providing insight into the self-sufficient nature of early American plantation life.

Rock Castle played a vital role in the early political and social life of the region. Daniel Smith served as a surveyor, delegate to the Constitutional Convention of Tennessee, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of War. His home was a frequent gathering place for prominent figures of the time.

Today, Rock Castle is owned and operated by the City of Hendersonville as a historic house museum. It is open to the public for tours and educational programs, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Smith family and the history of the region. The estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.