History of Ramsey House

About Historic Ramsey House

Built in 1797 by Knoxville’s first known builder, Thomas Hope, Ramsey House was created for Francis Alexander Ramsey and his family and constructed using Tennessee pink marble and blue limestone. At the time, it was considered the finest home in Tennessee. The house remains significant today for its original architectural features and impressive collection of period decorative arts.

About the Ramsey Family

As one of the earliest families to settle in Knoxville, the Ramseys played a crucial role in shaping the region’s civic, educational, and cultural institutions:

• Colonel Francis A. Ramsey was a founding trustee of Blount College, now the University of Tennessee.

• His son, Dr. J.G.M. Ramsey, wrote The Annals of Tennessee, an early history of the state.

• Another son, William B.A. Ramsey, served as Knoxville’s first elected mayor and later as Tennessee’s Secretary of State.

 Preserving History

In 1952, the A.P.T.A. (Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities) purchased the home along with one acre of land. Today, the site has expanded to 101.5 acres, featuring:

• A fully restored historic house, furnished to reflect 1797-1820, the period of Francis A. Ramsey’s residency.
• A Visitor & Event Center, set in a picturesque country landscape.

Historic Ramsey House is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its legacy for future generations.