The Whites Creek Historic District lies in a valley landscape of steep, wooded slopes and a gently rolling valley where tributaries of Whites Creek converge. Its 23 rural buildings date from the 1830s through the 1950s, spanning more than a century.

Architecture and Local History

The Historic District is significant for its agriculture, settlement, and architecture. Its architectural styles include vernacular farmhouses, Italianate cottages, turn-of-the-century style, Colonial Revival, Bungalow, and English Cottage.

The Yarbrough House dates to around 1835 and was probably built as an inn. The Bysor-Thompson House may date to the 1830s and is a large example of Tennessee vernacular architecture.

Two commercial buildings can also be distinguished by specific features. The Whites Creek Bank and Trust Company dates to 1911 and is a single-story limestone commercial building. The Whites Creek General Store was built in 1926; the two-story brick building is designed in the Four Square style. The 1911 bank building is single-story and made of limestone; the 1926 store is two-story, made of brick, and designed in the Four Square style.

Local history also encompasses agriculture and former settlements: Thompson's Country Maid Dairy operated until the 1950s. New Heaton Station was located on what was then Eaton Creek, in the area of present-day Whites Creek.

Greenway and Landscape

The Whites Creek Greenway at Fontanel is 1.5 miles long and lies in the center of a rural historic district. The Whites Creek Greenway section from Mullins Park to Hartman Park includes a Greenway loop in Mullins Park. Whites Creek is one of Nashville's eight major waterways along which Greenways have primarily been developed.

One specific restriction is also important when planning a visit: A notice updated on August 31, 2026, reports that a bridge on the Whites Creek Greenway is closed for repairs. Check the bridge's current status before your outing.

Fontanel and Local Production

Fontanel Mansion is the former estate of country music legend Barbara Mandrell. It sits on more than 100 acres of wooded grounds in Tennessee; the estate includes a creek and two ponds with a waterfall. This makes Fontanel another point of interest alongside the Historic District's architectural history.

Zip Up Fontanel is located at the historic Fontanel Mansion, 4225 Whites Creek Pike. The zipline course is suitable for all experience levels.

The Nashville Distillery is located at 4105 Whites Creek Pike in Whites Creek, Tennessee. It produces whiskey, bourbon, and vodka in small batches.

Discover more destinations: Belle Meade, Nashville, Antioch, Goodlettsville.

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