History written by:
Dakota B Carmichael

Member & Affiliate of the East Tennessee Historical Society

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Early History:

1. Founding and early settlement of the area

The area that is now Hamblen county had been settled since the early 1780s. Names such as James Roddye, David Harmon Coffman, Alexander Outlaw, Martin Stubblefield, and Col. Robert McFarland are among the more prominent names. They each built homes that lasted throughout the ages that are nothing short of landmarks in their own right today. The earliest documented settlement comes from David Harmon Coffman, who settled the Russellville area and built a dogtrot style cabin next to the great stage road, and then of course Hayslope, built by Col. James Roddye, and Rural Mount, built by famed statesman and frontiersman, Alexander Outlaw, just to name a few. Hamblen County itself was named for Hezikiah Hamblen, an early settler, land surveyor, and magistrate of Hawkins county, although he never lived within the present boundaries of Hamblen county. According to local lore, when Hamblen county was being formed in 1870, Then senator WIlliam Greene was given the pleasure of naming this new county, and he chose to honor his grandfather by giving it the name ‘Hamblen’ a name that would be cemented in history in more ways than one. You see, prior to 1870, the present Hamblen county was split up between Jefferson, Grainger, and Hawkins county. Morristown itself was named for early settler Gideon Morris, a prominent land owner who lived very near the current South Cumberland St. near Radio Center in Morristown.

1. Background on the original owner and builder of the Riggs House

There is strong evidence that suggests the original builder of the home is Samuel Riggs. Samuel Riggs was born in 1760 in Morris County New Jersey, and removed to Tennessee in the late 1770s,  Like many other men of the time, enlisted in the militia, and served under Col. Issac Shelby, and later on, would serve with the militia against the natives, and served as a spy against the natives for a few weeks. He was never discharged, but his end rank was Lieutenant.  Riggs married Mary Morris, the daughter of noted early settler Gideon Morris. Samuel would pass away at a date after 1845 the exact date of his demise is unknown. However, it is known through local word of mouth (with no official sources)  that some of the Riggs family were buried on the hill overlooking the house for quite a time, but were moved at an unknown date. The exact location of their burial has yet to be determined. 

1. c. Historical context and significance of the house

The original grounds around our little big home was used originally as a Pioneer Methodist Campground in the 1780s. Evidence has suggested that in the time before the Civil War, the home of Samuel Riggs was originally used as a stagecoach inn, as the home is located along what was once a stage route to white pine, and likely seen a number of high importance visitors, such as senators, representatives and important military personnel in their own respective travels. When the war between the states came round, there were no hospitals around, so churches, large stately houses such as ours, and schools would be used as what is called an ‘Improvised field hospital’ troops from both sides were cared for on these grounds. In its later years it saw usage as a funeral parlor, and general store before being turned into a family home for the remainder of its life. Located beside a natural flowing mineral spring, visitors would come from all over to drink from the spring. As in those days, mineral springs were believed to cure many different ailments. After the turn of the century, an attempt was made by a previous owner to patent the mineral water and sell it across the country. The Hobson family owned the home for a good portion of the 20th century, with Calvin Hobson being the last person who lived in the home. It changed hands again to a family who put small amounts of work into it over the years, but eventually they ran out of funds, and the owner fell into poor health and could no longer care for the home. All in all, the home has sat empty since around 2000. 

Architectural Characteristics:

1. Overview of the style and design of the house

Built between 1822 and 1835, this home is a Federal open gable L configuration home. This house features 3 chimneys located at opposite ends of the home; one exterior chimney on the east elevation main structure, one interior chimney on the west elevation of main structure, and one interior chimney in the kitchen area.  The exterior chimney appears to have been modified and upgraded. The interior chimney on the west elevation appears to be original to the original build date. The foundation is pier beam construction made of stacked stones. The floor joists are logs flattened on the top, with a covering of Plano flooring .

The home is built with what is called an english parlor, with a breezeway dividing the two halves of the home. The home has 2 large rooms on the lower levels with a kitchen and bathroom in the L part of the structure. The upstairs area has 6 rooms, and a breezeway door. It is not known if the door held any other purposes. Evidence suggests that this door is original to the home.

Outside the rear of the home contains a wrap around porch. There is an addition that was built past the kitchen, it is unknown when it was built, but it has fallen into severe disrepair. 

1. Explanation of the unique features and elements of the house

The interior wood design of the home is very unique, The door frames,  accents on the stair railing, and some of the window moulding appears to have been carved by hand and contains unique designs, however they do not appear to be original to the home, but in my educated opinion was added in the 1850s or during the civil warThe home also features higher than usual ceilings. Both this, and the aforementioned interior designs would have been a show of wealth in the early-mid 1800s. The exterior siding of the home appears to be American Chestnut - a now extinct species of tree that died out in the early 1900s by a plague. 

1. c. Historical photos and illustrations, if available

Life in the Riggs House:

1. Description of daily life and routines of the original residents.

In 1800s Tennessee, up until a certain point, this house was still in a pretty rural area. Daily life of people who lived during the 1800s in this section of Tennessee would have been what some would consider today, hard living. The men of the house would have been ploughing fields, or hunting game for food, and for fur trading, they would have been black smithing, milling, and store keeping. Other things would include tending to the farm animals fixing carriages, and wagons and things of that nature, things that would have taken all day to do. While the women of the home would have done housekeeping, making quilts, sewing clothes, raising the younger children, preserving and preparing food and meals. Most women of this era did not have as many legal rights as a man, a concept that would not be changed until later on down the road in history.

1. Overview of important events and gatherings that took place in the house.

There was an old church camp located very near the house, where the local citizens would come around for congregation, singing, prayer, weddings and funerals.

Stump speeches by politicians would have also been a common practice here when people running for office would have been out ‘politickin’ 

Shooting contests, and militia gatherings would have also been a very common for a stately house such as this

We are still looking through our documents, other records and sources trying to find mention of any important happenings that went on at our castle in the hills. However, if you yourself have mention of any of these, feel free to email us at  (insert email address)  

1. c. Stories and anecdotes from past residents and visitors

There are quite a few stories from prior residents regarding ghosts in this house, and during the homes ‘dark period’ people would come into the home looking to catch a piece of the essence themselves. Several have reported hearing ominous footsteps, and disembodied voices. One story involves a woman who murdered her husband by decapitating him, it is said that on halloween night you can hear his severed head bounce down the stairs. Other stories that have been told has included seeing men in grey outfits standing guard in the house. 

According to Charlie Quarrells, his grandfather actually lived in our house, and remembered seeing wounded soldiers being brought in for care at our house, and recalls that several soldiers are buried near-by. 

(working on gathering prior family stories)

Changes Over Time:

1. Overview of the changes and renovations made to the house over the years

For the most part, the home has remained largely unchanged. There is only electricity and plumbing in the lower part of the home. The kitchen had been renovated in the 1980s to what it currently is today. The washroom addition on the south elevation, and directly behind the kitchen is not original but was built at an unknown time.

 

1. Explanation of how the house has adapted to changing needs and styles

Given the prior statement, The way the home was originally built, she has been well equipped to assist with most needs, with no A/C, or electric heat.

1. c. Photos and illustrations that show the house's evolution

   Preservation Efforts:

   1. Overview of the efforts to preserve and restore the Riggs House

   Preservation of this house will not be an easy journey, as some parts of the home have deteriorated significantly. However current efforts that have already taken place, are temporary patches to the roof, and boarding up all the windows and doors slowing down the harsh effects of mother nature. 

   
   
   1. Explanation of why preserving the house is important

   The house has become a staple of local history, as well as a local landmark. Allowing it to slip away into dust would be a crime. Every day houses like this are demolished and replaced with cookie cutter modern homes that have no character. Our house was built to endure, and so it has for over 100 years. It is illegal to cut planks and timbers as large as those seen in the house in the United States. It couldn't be rebuilt with any modern methods, as it would be improper.  

   1. c. Recognition and awards the house has received

   None yet! 

   Conclusion:

   1. Summary of the historical significance of the Riggs House

   The Riggs home is significant in its own right, as an ever changing monument that has went above and beyond, and answered every single calling that its owners have put forth. From a Stagecoach inn, and civil war hospital, to a funeral parlor, general store, and family home. The house has a very colorful history. 

   
   
   1. Explanation of how the current restoration effort fits into the larger history of the house

   With the colorful history of change that the home has seen, the renovations that we seek to make to this old girl are nothing new under her sun, even if this is the longest she has ever