“At the start of the 19th century, one of the richest men in the Western Hemisphere lived on this land. James Vann, a member of the Cherokee Triumvirate, worked and fought hard for the money he used to build this house along the Old Federal Highway at Spring Place. At the time, he owned about 200 slaves and hundreds of acres of farmland.  Vann and a number of his wives lived in the house or nearby. After his murder in 1809, the house passed to Joseph, Vann's eldest son"

About 1800, the Moravian Missionaries came into the lower towns, trying to convert the heathen red pagans. They didn’t have much luck. They finally approached Crazy James and asked for permission to build a school and a mission. He granted the permission provided that they teach more Readin’ Ritin’ and Rithmatik than Religion. He also required them to teach all of the children, the whites, the half whites, the Cherokee, and the blacks the same lessons in the same classrooms.

At first, the Moravians objected, as it was against the law to teach blacks. But Chief Crazy James insisted that it was going to all-or-none. The Moravian preacher scoured the local countryside to find the perfect place for his school, mission, and home. Once he had selected the perfect spot, he approached James for approval. When James came to the spot selected for the church, James decided that it would be a perfect spot for his own house. The mission was started about 100 yards away and James began to make plans for the grandest house in the Cherokee Nation.

James gathered all of the skilled workmen that worked for him to determine who was going to be on the building crew. He had carpenters, carvers, wood cutters, laborers, but not a brick mason could be found among them. James put his private army in charge of security and traveled to Charles Town to find the skilled tradesmen he needed. At that time, there was a building frenzy in Philadelphia and New York, and all available brick masons were currently engaged. He took one of his ships and sailed for England, France, and Germany. There the plans for his new home were completed, workmen were found, and special materials.

Windows and a fireplace were made in France, roofing slates from England, a sawmill and a brick furnace was obtained in Germany. All these goods and workmen were loaded aboard the ship, and a fast course laid in for Charles Town. When he arrived, he sent word to the Nation to build him wagons and meet him at the docks. The work began in earnest in 1803, and was completed in the fall of 1804. James designed the floating staircase after one he had seen years earlier. Only the German workmen had the skill to make the design work. This was the first permanent structure built south of Philadelphia.

To tour the Vann house, click on every picture. A new window will open. Enjoy !