Jefferson County Historical Society Member & Friends Invited to Tour Shepard Inn, April 21, 2013
Photo courtesy of Dale Knight
The Jefferson County Historical Society members and friends are invited to the Spring Home Tour. on Sunday, April 21, 2013 from 2-4 PM. This year the Shepard’s Inn, located at 136 E. Main Street, Dandridge, is the featured home. There is no charge.
Originally constructed as a two-story log cabin, c. 1820. the structure now known as Shepard Inn was conveyed to Shadrach Inman, who was living in the house at the time, in 1823. Whether the house was built by Inman or by Hugh Martin from whom he purchased it is unknown. Since that time the house has grown like Topsy with additions by Inman and later owners. The original structure located on the southwest corner is covered with siding, but the original logs remain.
Inman lived in the house until his death in 1852 when the property passed to his son William. Inman and his wife are buried in the graveyard adjacent to the house as is his father Abednigo Inman, a revolutionary war veteran and early settler.
It is believed that Inman operated the structure as an inn, and it continued to be used for that purpose by later proprietors, the Mitchells and the Shepards. Known for fifty years as Mitchell Tavern the inn was purchased by J.T. and Mattie Shepard in 1921 and officially became known as Shepard Inn.
Under the Shepards the inn was known for its hospitality and fine food. Mrs. Shepard was famous for her fried chicken and country ham, and visitors travelled from as far away as Knoxville for Sunday dinner.
Local lore claims that all three Tennessee presidents have stayed at the inn, which was located on the main stage route from Knoxville. Later guest registries now housed in the University of Tennessee collection contain entries from all fifty states and many foreign countries. ( from Windows To The Past, published by Jefferson County High School, 1986, updated 1996)
During the early forties the inn provided housing for many of the workers on Douglas Dam and the Dandridge dyke.
Earl and Mildred Kyker purchased the property in 1952, and it remained a private home until 2007 when it was acquired by Jim and Karen Everett. The Everett’s are presently restoring the historic landmark with plans to reopen it as an inn.
