In the heart of Historic Downtown Greeneville rests the General Morgan Inn, one of the most beautiful aesthetic gems of East Tennessee, second only to the enchanting mountainous views.
The hotel was first a simple, wooden structure in the 1790’s known as the De Woody Tavern. Graduating from De Woody Tavern, to Bell Tavern, to Lane House, the General Morgan Inn finally got its lasting namesake from General John Hunt Morgan where his last moments were spent.
As legend has it, early on the morning of Sept. 4, 1864, a female Union sympathizer, Mrs. David Fry, standing at the rear of the tavern, reportedly spotted Confederate General John Hunt Morgan as he tried to escape Union soldiers searching for him around Saint James Episcopal Church. Mrs. Fry (so stories go), shouted to the soldiers, pointing out General Morgan’s hiding place. During the ensuing gun battle the colorful Kentucky Cavalry officer, popularly known as the “Thunderbolt of the Confederacy,” was shot and killed not far from the rear of the tavern.
Stories of the past are etched into the soul of the old hotel that has serviced weary travelers to spry vacationers since 1882. But the downtown district in which the General Morgan Inn lies sports a plethora of history and wondrous relics. Main Street supports a number of privately owned businesses with that Southern “Mom and Pop” charm. Any leisurely shopping trip can also become a site-seeing adventure as one wonders the streets of Downtown Greeneville, passing sites like the historic library, the old courthouse, the Capitol Theatre, the Andrew Johnson Home, and even a church with a Civil War cannon ball embedded in its outer wall!
The General Morgan Inn proudly stands hand-in-hand with the small businesses up and down Main Street as well as the famous Niswonger Performing Arts Center. The small community has worked together for generations to become one of East Tennessee’s most alluring places to visit.
With the hotel’s exquisite grand ballroom and its dreamy garden terrace with an enthralling sun-kissed view of Downtown, the General Morgan Inn has long been revered as Greeneville’s favorite wedding venue. On-site catering and event-planning in coordination with the many options for everything a bride needs makes the hotel a perfect one-stop contact for that special day.
But not only is the hotel equipped with party and wedding space and utilities, it is also an impeccable place to have a lunch or dinner for anyone from a family outing to a corporate meeting. Brumley’s restaurant and bar inside the hotel holds three dining rooms, one of which can be used for private dining and meetings, excluding the lobby’s private boardroom as well. The restaurant’s award-winning cuisine and wine list allows for any citizen to experience an elegant atmosphere full of art deco themes with a modern flare while enjoying a delicious and exceptional meal to fill your soul and your appetite!
The General Morgan Inn is honored to have visitors in the area as well as from well out of town and pledges to continue to be one of Greeneville’s favorite rest stops and vacation spots for generations to come. For more information, please visit GeneralMorganInn.com or call (423) 787-1000.
