'Top 10' things you should know about Cannonsburgh on The Murfreesboro Post

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'Top 10' things you should know about Cannonsburgh

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'Top 10' things you should know about Cannonsburgh

TMP Photo by Kelly Hite. Tim Miller repairs the roof on the Grist mill at Cannonsburg.

The Top 10 things you should know about Cannonsburgh ... make it the Top 11 because the Murfreesboro Post tries harder.

1. Cannonsburgh was the original name of Murfreesboro. It was named in honor of Newton Cannon, a rising Williamson County politician and veteran of the Creek War. He would later become Tennessee’s first Whig governor. The little village’s name changed to Murfreesborough about 30 days later at the request of Col. William Lytle, who donated land for the Public Square, a community cemetery, and its adjacent First Presbyterian Church. Lytle asked that the town be renamed to honor his friend Col. Hardy Murfree.

2. Cannonsburgh Village was built as Murfreesboro’s chief Bicentennial project in 1976. Visualized by the late Mayor W.H. Westbrooks, Dr. James K. Huhta of MTSU’s Historic Preservation program played a key role in bringing the plan together as a living museum of early Southern life.

The village represents approximately 100 years of early Tennessee life from the 1830s to the 1930s. Within the village is a grist mill, school house, telephone operator’s house, the University house, the Leeman House, a museum, a caboose, the Wedding Chapel, a doctor's office, a general store, a blacksmith's shop, a well and other points of pioneering interest.

3. Cannonsburgh will kick off its 2008 season with its 32nd annual Pioneer Day Saturday, April 19. This free family event is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the village located at 312 S. Front St. in Murfreesboro. It’s one of several major events held annually. The biggest is Uncle Dave Macon Days in July that attracts 40,000 visitors each year to Murfreesboro.

4. It was the home of the World’s Largest Cedar Bucket until June 2005 when an arsonist burned it. Employees of Tennessee Red Cedar Woodenworks Co. of Murfreesboro built the bucket in 1887 as a promotional tool. It was shown at the World’s Columbia Exposition in 1893 and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904.

5. With the exception of the cotton warehouses that now serve other functions, all of the other buildings were relocated to Cannonsburgh from sites throughout the county. For example, the country store was originally Becton and Westbrooks general store in the Link community.

6. The Blacksmith Shop is one of the most popular features of Cannonsburgh. It is manned by the members of the Rutherford County Blacksmiths’ Association, which is working to rebuild the World’s Largest Cedar Bucket.

7. The Grist Mill is being restored to working condition in time for Pioneer Day at Cannonsburgh. Stone ground mills of this type were among the earliest industries in Tennessee. The restored mill will be used as an interpretive center and educational resource.

8. Rutherford County’s first iron bridge crosses Town Creek at Cannonsburgh. The bridge originally crossed Stewart Creek on a turnpike between Smyrna and Murfreesboro and was rescued from the wrecking ball. Restoration on this historic bridge is under way and should be complete by Pioneer Day.

9. Cannonsburgh is home of the Murfreesboro Art League, which teaches classes and maintains a small gallery at the pioneer village. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Stones River Antique Car Association maintains a garage at Cannonsburgh. Both organizations are planning shows for Pioneer Day.

10. Allen Ragsdale is “mayor” of Cannonsburgh, which has a town council that supervises and plans events throughout the year. Fred Trujillo is program director for the pioneer village. (We call him respectfully the King of Cannonsburgh.)

11. How could we go without mentioning Cannonsburgh Chapel? Couldn’t ... shouldn’t. The tiny, white chapel located at the heart of the village is one of Murfreesboro’s most popular wedding venues. It offers seating for up to 75, central heat or air, stained glass windows, antique pump organ, lighted candelabrum, and aisle decorations. Couples may provide their own officiant, music, decorations, photographer and catering. Don’t forget for company events, the entire Cannonsburgh grounds can be rented. For information call 890-0355.

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Member Opinions:

By: Flo on 4/6/08
WOW! Great info to have! As a new(er) resident of Murfreesboro (2 years April 15th!!) I have enjoyed Cannonsburgh Village since my arrival here. Pioneer Day is wonderful and no one should miss it. Those portraying historical figures are amazing. Uncle Dave Macon Day's are my very favorite -true artistry of the highest form. I am now armed with the perfect chair and hat for the day! Does anyone know if the Farmer's Market will be there again this summer or will that be relocated to it's new home?

By: bcleach on 4/6/08
Our father, Baxter Hipp, made brooms here for so many years. We have some really great pictures of him at work there. Sorry to see that is no longer a part of the Village. But he could never get anybody to take the time to learn the craft.

one of the Hipp girls

By: nobody on 4/7/08
Isn't there also the world's largest spinning wheel (wool spinner), here at Cannonsburgh? I heard that at one time and wondered where it was and how one could get a picture with it?

By: Bosda on 4/7/08
It is also bicycle-unfriendly.

Odd, due to the close proximity of the Greenway & several bike racks, but true.

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