Historic Home Tour in Charleston

Media Release

For Immediate Release: Nov. 6, 2009

For More Information: Faye Callaway, 423-336-5694

CCH Historical Society Presents Christmas by Candlelight

The Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical Society is focusing on history with their second annual “Christmas by Candlelight” Tour Saturday, Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.  The tour will included the Historic Henegar House, Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the home of Joe and Luajean Bryan in Calhoun.

            The Henegar House, located at 428 Market Street in Charleston, was built by Henry Benton Henegar in 1849. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.  Henegar served as a wagon master under Chief John Ross and led a detachment of Cherokee west on the Trail of Tears. He returned to Charleston and built the first brick home in Bradley County on the site of the military barracks of Ft. Cass.  During the Civil War, the home was host to military leaders including Gen. William T. Sherman.

Re-enactors will be on hand to add to the historical atmosphere. They will not only be inside the house, but also demonstrating a Civil War campsite outside the home and providing samples of the food they would have cooked at that time.

            Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church also played a role in the Civil War. Soldiers used the church as a hospital and strategic position near the railroad... The window sills of the church still have evidence of the tethered horses gnawing at the wood. The church is planning to have musical performers to entertain guests on the tour.

            The home of Joe and Luajean Bryan is located at 841 Hwy. 163, just inside the Calhoun city limits.  The house was originally part of the Noah Wilson dairy farm on Walker Valley Road. Originally built in the 1800's, it was disassembled in 1979 and relocated to its present location.  It contains many original features of the house including the staircase, mantels, leaded glass built-in cupboard, doors, and ornate woodwork known as "egg and dart".  It is a two-story federal style house with upper and lower porches. Stained glass windows are used in several places throughout the house.  

            Tickets are available in advance at Callaway Antiques in Charleston or can be purchased at the door of the Henegar House or the Bryan home. Shuttles will be transporting guests from the Henegar House to the church as parking is limited. Tickets are $20. For more information, call Faye Callaway at 423-336-5694.

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