Governor Announces Hale Springs Inn Grant Award
Hawkins County’s 180 year old inn to be renovated

Nashville, Tennessee - Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the Rogersville Heritage Association has been awarded an enhancement grant to be used in the restoration of the historic Hale Springs Inn, which is located in Rogersville, Tennessee.

“I’m pleased to award the Rogersville Heritage Association with this grant to help restore the Hale Springs Inn,” said Bredesen.  “This inn holds such a rich history -- not just for the Rogersville community, but for the entire state of Tennessee.  Three U.S. presidents stayed at the inn, in addition to the hundreds of diverse guests who have visited from across the country since it was built in 1824.  I commend the association for its efforts to preserve and restore this important landmark.”

Governor Bredesen said State Senator Mike Williams was instrumental in helping secure this grant for the Rogersville Heritage Association.

“This is a great day for Hawkins County.  This inn is one of Tennessee’s treasures, but it has been closed for more than five years and that has taken a toll on the building and on the economy of the town,” said Senator Williams.  “Reopening the inn is the single most significant factor in reviving Rogersville’s economy.  It is a project worth funding.”

The grant award comes from the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Federal Enhancement Grant Program.

“We are happy to award the amount of $746,372.00 to help restore this beautiful old Tennessee stage coach inn,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.  “The rehabilitation of the Hale Springs Inn will help make Rogersville a significant stop on the road in Hawkins County for folks traveling to Northeast Tennessee.”

The three story building is Federal in its architecture and Colonial and American Empire in its interior design and furnishings. The building will be used as a bed and breakfast, and to house city offices.  The Hale Springs Inn is located in a National Register Historic District at 415 South Depot Street in Rogersville.

The Rogersville Heritage Association also owns Crockett Spring Park, historic Rogers Tavern, and the Tennessee Newspaper & Printing Museum, the only printing museum in the state.