This Halloween both Cragfont and Wynnwood historic homes will be the location of three hauntingly good events that blend a dash of fright with a splash of local history. On October 8, Wynnwood Historic site will present Murder, Medicine and Mourning, followed by Hunts at the Font on October 15. The season will end with a talk on Herbs of Death on October 29 and Cemetery Tours on October 29 (just added) and 30.
Cragfont was the grand frontier home of General James Winchester. Located on the original road from Knoxville and the East Coast, it was a prominent landmark for those making their way west.
General Winchester served in both the War of 1812 and General Andrew Jackson in New Orleans. After Jackson’s victory at New Orleans, Winchester returned to Cragfont for good on February 12, 1815. Once there, he resumed pursuit of his agricultural interests, became a leader in the general upgrading of the state, and engaged in land speculation, which led to his fortune. He died at his home on July 26, 1826.
October 8
Murder, Medicine and Mourning
Time: 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. (last tour begins at 9:00 p.m.)
Cost: $10 – $15
Visitors who come to Wynnewood Historic Site for Murder, Medicine, and Mourning will see the home set for mourning, hear about Victorian mourning customs, and learn about the many untimely deaths of the Wynne family. Then they will be guided down to Bledsoe’s Lick where they will explore by lantern light and hear about the most infamous murders on the Lick. Then they will go off to see the doctor and hear about the weird and gruesome practices of Victorian-era medicine. Tickets can be purchased here. A popular event, so with less than 100 spots left, make sure to get a ticket soon!
October 15
Haunts at the Font
Time: 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 to $15
Visit Cragfont on October 15 if you dare. On a lantern tour along the train from the historic tobacco barn to the Cragfont mansion looming in the distance enshrouded in darkness, guests will interact with a number of restless souls from the home’s spirited past. Dressed in period clothing, each “ghostly” visitor will have brand new spine-tingling stories to tell this year. Before and after the haunted walk, there will be servings of apple cider by the fire, ghost stories and the soothingly spooky sounds of historic murder ballads performed by the Traveling Caudells. Buy your tickets here. This event is selling fast, so those planning on attending need to make sure to purchase tickets as soon as possible to ensure they get the time they want.
October 29
Herbs of Death
Times: 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Come to the last of this year’s free seminars on the use of herbs in cooking and healing. Herbs of Death will cover the historical role of herbs in funeral practices and as agents of death. The series is presented in association with Americorps. Sign up here.
October 29 and October 30
Cemetery Tour at Historic Cragfont
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Reservations are required for the free walking through the historic cemetery at Cragfont. Participants will learn about the people buried here, the significance of various 19th century tombstone shapes and epitaphs, about some of the tragic and untimely deaths of the Winchesters and Wynnes, as well as some secret history of the Cragfont cemetery. Before you end your Halloween weekend, stop by Historic Cragfont for a bit of history! This event is currently sold out, but check their Facebook page to see if more times are added.
Located in picturesque Sumner County just 45 minutes from downtown Nashville, Historic Castalian Springs is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and interpreting the diverse local and regional history at its three state historic sites: Cragfont, Wynnewood, and Hawthorn Hill. Each property tells a unique story and brings visitors into the complex web of culture and events in 18th and 19th century Tennessee.
Visit https://www.historiccastaliansprings.org/ to learn more about daily tours and other special events.
Cragfont is located at 200 Cragfont Rd. & Wynnewood is located at 210 Old Hwy 25, Castalian Springs.
