When John Carter moved from Virginia in 1770 and eventually built the Mansion on the Watauga River, little did he know that his home here would be the oldest frame house in Tennessee and a part of a state park.
  Today, visitors from as far away as London, England stop by to see the 18th century home and explore the grounds, sounds and smells reminiscent of colonial life. The Mansion is decorated throughout with hand-carved panels, crown molding and chair rails. Two rooms boast landscape paintings on the wooden panel directly above the fireplace -- a rare survival in early American homes. These are considered the earliest paintings executed in Tennessee.
  Annual events at the Carter Mansion include a celebration in mid-August featuring musicians and craftspeople who are continuing the traditions of the first settlers in this area, as well as storytelling at Halloween, and candlelit tours during the holiday season.
  "This year we are working feverishly to increase programming," said Jennifer Bauer, Sycamore Shoals State Park Manager. This year the Carter Mansion will host a Colonial Kids Day Camp on Fridays in June and July, along with Sunday Jams at the Mansion.
  "We are striving to increase the appearance and livability of the Mansion," said Bauer. "Ranger Greg is working to build pieces of period furniture that could have been in the home at that time," she said.
  The approach to the home is not to fill it with furniture but rather give it some semblance of life, she said. The craftsmanship of the crown molding and architecture really speak for themselves, she said.
  "Last year the park started the Gardens of the Carter Mansion. Volunteer John Large took great care of the garden and it has been a fascinating project that we hope to continue this year," said Bauer.
  The garden is full of plants that would have been planted only during that era, said Bauer. The work continues to progress as new selections of dye plants, medicinal, cooking, and strewing herbs, are added to the garden.
  The Carter Mansion is open for tours daily from May to August. Admission is free. Contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area or the Carter Mansion for information about off-season hours.
  If you have questions or comments, contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, 1651 West Elk Ave., Elizabethton, at (423) 543-5808.