Travellers Rest

Travellers Rest is an historic planatation in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1799, a two story structure with four rooms was built by Judge John Overton (1766-1833). Overton was an advisor and close friend of Andrew Jackson. He was a judge at the Superior Court of Tennessee and considered a co-founder of Memphis, Tennessee. Overton originally named the property Golgotha after a significant number of prehistoric skull were unearthed while digging the cellar of the house. Archaeologists now know that these remains were part of a large Mississippian village site. Overton changed the name of the plantation to Travellers Rest in the early 1800s to reflect the recreational effect his home had on him after long rides on horseback that he had to undertook as part of his position as a judge. Overton died at Travellers Rest on April 12, 1833.

The plantation building was saved from demolition and eventually restored in 1954 to become a museum. Additional archaeological finds were reported from the property as recently as 1995, when construction at the visitors center resulted in disturbance of additional human burials. As of 2008, the Travellers Rest Plantation & Museum houses exhibits that document the life and work of John Overton. It is located at 636 Farrell Parkway off of Franklin Road. It is near the Crieve Hall neighborhood. Travellers Rest is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.