A Window to the Past

When Edwin Hickman’s widow sold the estate to Thomas Shackleford in 1815, the property deed included some important information. For the first time, “houses and improvements” were listed—revealing that two structures were built between 1790 and 1815. These cabins are not that old, but they are pretty close! The first cabin (closest to the door) was built using eastern red cedar logs in the winter of 1823-24. How can we be so specific? Because of a scientific field known as dendrochronology, which studies tree rings to determine its age. The term comes from the Ancient Greek words dendron, which means “tree” and khronos, which means “time."

Dr. Maegen Rochner is a geographer and dendrochronologist at the University of Louisville. During the 2022-2024 renovation, her team conducted research of the tree-ring patterns of the cabin’s logs to determine the original construction date. They collected 1/2” diameter samples from the logs, then compared the tree rings to the tree rings of other nearby buildings in the region where the construction date is known. Using this technique, she matched the growth rings and pinpointed the build date.

These view windows allow you to see several interesting things. First, look how close these buildings are to each other. In the 1820s, hallways were rare, so it makes sense that the two, one-room cabins were essentially joined together. Second, check out the stone and brick chinking between the cabins and between each of the logs. This material was added to insulate the building and keep out the wind and weather.

In window #1, notice how each log was shaped by an axe or adze and joined with a half dovetail notch. You can also see where the building was damaged during the Civil War in the Battle of Nashville in 1864. Two bullets were lodged in the logs in window #5. If the office is open, feel free to check out the other artifacts on display in the lobby. For more on the Civil War, check out other tours on NashvilleSites.org. We have two walking tours, Downtown Civil War and Fort Negley, and one Civil War driving tour, which ends at Sunnyside. Head to the next stop to learn more about the specifics of the Battle of Nashville.

Go back to the path around the house and stop at the next interpretive panel about the Battle of Nashville.