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The Mid-Southern state of Tennessee is renowned for its country music, beautiful mountains, and rich cultural heritage. It's no wonder Tennessee is so grand, as it is one of the oldest states in the United States. It joined the U.S. in 1796 as the 16th state, but many of its towns have histories that go back further into the 18th century. Within many of these hidden historic towns, one can see the storytelling capital of the 海角社区, inns that saw Presidential visitors, the birthplace of a famous whiskey brand, and even a museum honoring the show I Love Lucy. Here are eight hidden historical towns to visit in Tennessee.

Granville

Granville's history is closely tied to the mighty Cumberland River, and its fortunes have fluctuated as a result. The area was first settled by Joseph Williamson in 1799, and Granville quickly became a major riverboat town. However, riverboat travel declined by 1920, and the Cordell Hull Dam caused the Cumberland River to flood much of the farmlands in the 1970s. However, in the late 90s, the area became a major tourist center as people flocked to see its many cute historic sites.

These include the 1880 T.B. Sutton General Store, which is still in operation and provides handmade crafts, artifacts, and meals. Visitors can also see how pioneers lived at the Historic Sutton Homestead or learn about Granville's history at the Granville Museum. Lastly, the area proudly displays classic cars at the Clemons Car Museum as well as the best of Tennessee quilts and textiles at the Tennessee Quilt & Textile Museum.

Bell Buckle

This tiny town of a few hundred residents has a fascinating history. First settled in the early 1800s, it wouldn't be officially incorporated until 1856. Most intriguingly, no one knows the origin of the name Bell Buckle. The most likely story is that the first white settlers saw a Native American carving that was shaped like a cowbell, so they named the town Bell Buckle.

Over time, the town's fortunes have waxed and waned with the railroad industry and the Great Depression. Today, it maintains a cute, artsy vibe with a deep appreciation for antiques. One can find these antiques at the K & M Antiques, Hilltop Antiques, or Philip's General Store Antiques. By strolling through Bell Buckle, visitors can also see several historic houses, such as the 1898 John Hoover house, which was the first house to have a telephone and served as a boarding home for male students. There's also the 150-year-old Depot Square, which is next to the train tracks, along with the unique Russ Faxon Studio, the last standing building of a historic strip that was turned into a studio for artist Russ Faxon.

Elizabethton

Elizabethton isn't all that well known, but it may be one of the most historically consequential towns in America. In 1772, it was the center of the Watauga Association, the first independent government in American history, predating the American Revolution by 4 years. The town kept up its independent spirit when it attempted to leave North Carolina to join the State of Franklin from 1784 to 1788.

Elizabethton is filled with historic sites from all periods of its history, such as the Sabine Hill State Historic Site, a Federal-style home built by General Nathaniel Taylor and his wife Mary in the early 1800s. Visitors can also see the Carter Mansion, the oldest frame house in Tennessee at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, built in the 1770s. The park is also the spot where settlers set up the Watauga Association and includes an interpretative museum and three hiking trails. Elizabethton is also home to one of the oldest covered bridges: the 134-foot Elizabethton Covered Bridge, built in 1882.

Dandridge

Dandridge's story goes back to before Tennessee was a state. Settlers first came here in 1783 due to its location by the French Broad River. Steamboats regularly made their way through town over the centuries. In the 1940s, the creation of Douglas Lake almost flooded the town until a dike was made to keep the waters contained.

Today, one can explore its rich architectural history, including inns that were favorites of U.S. presidents. Andrew Jackson, James K Polk, and Andrew Johnson all stayed at the Shepard's Inn, which was built in 1814 as a two-story log house with a frame exterior added in 1823. Other buildings of note include the 1823 Federal three-bay brick Vance Building that served as the first telephone exchange and the 1820 Hickman Tavern, which has an exquisite circular staircase. Lastly, Dandridge has a Revolutionary War Graveyard, which showcases the area's passion for independence.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg was founded in 1818 by Thomas Roundtree, who named the town after a beech tree used as a lynching post. Despite this unfortunate name, there are a lot of fun activities and historic places to visit in this quaint town in Middle Tennessee. For one, it is the site of the original Jack Daniel Distillery, founded in the 1860s in Lynchburg due to its natural cave spring water. Visitors can see the resting place of Jack Daniels himself, along with notable football player Johnny Mayors, at the Lynchburg City Cemetery.

Lynchburg also converted the 1893 Moore County Jail into a museum to keep artifacts, historical clothing, and the original cells. Lastly, there are two intriguing buildings visitors can stay at, such as the 1874 Miss Elizabeth's Place home or the Silos at Promise Manor, grain bins that have been converted into hotels.

Greeneville

Greeneville was founded in 1780 and earned its name from American Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene. It was also President Andrew Johnson's home in his early years. Much like Elizabethton, it was initially a part of North Carolina before voting to join the State of Franklin, named after Benjamin Franklin.

Those with an interest in presidential history will certainly want to visit the home of Andrew Johnson at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and National Cemetery, but there are plenty of other museums and structures to explore, like the Dickson-Williams Mansion, a Federal-style mansion built in 1821 for an Irish immigrant and the 1923 Bible Covered Bridge. Automobile car buffs will want to see the City Garage Car Museum, which houses vintage automobiles like a 1914 Ford Brass T Model.

Rogersville

Rogersville's history also goes back prior to Tennessee joining the Union. It was first settled in 1775 by Joseph Rogers, and among its early settlers were the grandparents of famed explorer Davy Crocket. Within this Revolutionary War-era town, one can expect to find 18th-century buildings right on Main Street. These include the Rogers Tavern, a 1786 structure that was also visited by Andrew Jackson, and the 1824 Hale Springs Inn, which was visited by Andrew Johnson and Polk.

The site where Davy Crocket's grandparents built their cabin is preserved today as a part of Crockett Spring Park, along with the Rogers Cemetery, where they are buried. Lastly, there is the fascinating Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum, a recreation of the original printing shop in the area.

Jonesborough

Jonesborough is a town with many stories to tell. It's the oldest established town in Tennessee, being incorporated in 1779 as apart of North Carolina. It would join the State of Franklin in the 1780s, and it continues to honor this legacy through the Lost State Scenic Walkway through town. This walkway will lead one to the Chester Inn Museum, which has a diorama of the town in the 1850s along with more information on the Lost State of Franklin.

The town is most famous for its role as the storytelling capital of the 海角社区. Storytelling is an ancient art where people tell tales, both true and fictional, to a live audience. It keeps this tradition alive both through its International Storytelling Center and the National Storytelling Festival, held annually in October.

Step Back in Time: Exploring Tennessee's Historic Treasures

These hidden historic gems in Tennessee are an ideal place to visit for someone looking to transport themselves into the past and avoid the large crowds in larger cities like Nashville. Here, one can take a relaxing pace through the presidential home of Andrew Johnson, 18th-century inns, Revolutionary War-era graveyards, the Jack Daniels Distillery, and much more. Whether one is looking for a day trip or a weekend retreat to a historic town, these Tennessee towns are ideal.