Constructed in 1797, the Historic Ramsey House represents the finest living available in 18th century East Tennessee. Designed and built by architect Thomas Hope for Colonel Francis A. Ramsey. The house was home to many generations of influential figures in the region. Col. Ramsey was a founder of Blount College (now the University of Tennessee.) One of Col, Ramsey’s sons wrote the first history of Tennessee while another became the first elected Mayor of Knoxville.

Architects Frank Sparkman and Elise Johnson-Schmidt volunteered with the ETCDC to provide design assistance including an appropriate visitors center on the site to support the extensive educational programs held at the house and farm. In 2004, the ETCDC and volunteer adviser, Ken Moffett, AIA assisted with developing a campus master plan.