Built between 1807 and 1809, the Buchanan Log House is one of the oldest standing homes in the Nashville area. Built by pioneer settler and Cumberland Compact signer, James Buchanan, the log house reflects the experiences of early families who worked to establish homes and communities in the Cumberland settlement of Davidson County. After marrying Lucinda East in 1810, they went on to raise a family of 16 in the home, and the house grew in size as more space was needed. In 1820 when they had 8 children,  they added a one-and-a-half-story addition measuring 16 by 18 feet. All 16 of their children were raised on the property and lived to adulthood, leading to many descendants still living in the area today. 

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The story of the Buchanan Log House property is not inclusive to the Buchanan Family. Primary sources provide documentation of the enslaved individuals that also lived on the property. ​include more info...

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The Buchanan family’s story mirrors many of the social, cultural, and political changes that shaped Middle Tennessee from frontier settlement through the Civil War and Reconstruction, including the hardships faced by Nashvillians during the Union occupation of Nashville.

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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since March 1984, the Buchanan Log House remains an important reminder of Nashville’s early frontier history. Evidence of the home and property can be found below among the primary resources made available from Metro Archives. 

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