News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Rock Island’s Webb Hotel has been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places.
Warren County Executive and Historian Jimmy Hayley said it’s a unique home with a rich history.
“Just the fact that it’s a piece of history that hasn’t been bulldozed down for progress, I think shows that the community sees value in having these properties listed and I think it gives them a sense of value and gives others a sense of place,” Hayley said. “So history is important, it reflects upon who we are and where we came from, and as a community I think that’s important.”
Warren County has 22 existing properties on the historic register.
Timothy Jones, author of “The Geography And History Of Rock Island,” said the building has been around since the early 1900’s.
“It was a centerpiece for all of Rock Island for the most part, and Rock Island became probably the first resort town of Middle Tennessee,” Jones said. “Rock Island became a resort town before Gatlinburg was ever even thought about. It was a hot spot for fishermen.”
Jones added people from across Middle Tennessee would take the train to Rock Island to go fish, enjoy the scenery, and stay at the Webb Hotel.
The Webb Hotel has gone through several property owners, add-ons, and disrepair. Jones said its new owners are restoring it back to match its historical significance.
“I think Rock Island is going to become a historical hot spot once again,” Jones said. “But if you’ve never been to Rock Island you should come, it’s a nice little place to get away in the summer time.”
The Tennessee State Review Board will consider it along with eight other sites. They will meet to examine all nominations January 29 in Nashville.
