The Old Brick
Samuel McSpadden, powdermaker and Revolutionary War vetern, built this house in 1804 and died here on August 3, 1844. From a crude powder mill located ¼ mile north he sent flatboats loaded with gunpowder to New Orleans where General Andrew Jackson used it in the Battle of New Orleans, the last major battle of the War of 1812.
The north side of the house today; this was originally the rear of the house, but now faces state highway 139.
View to the south of the French Broad River, before the construction of Douglas Dam in 1942.
With the Frame House on the west side, circa 1961
Handprint of 5-year-old Polly Berry McSpadden, on a brick in the south wall. Daughter of Samuel McSpadden, she was my grandmother's great-grandmother.
View from the north, with the frame house attached.
View from the south: smoke house, frame house, Old Brick.
Front of the house (south side), 1930s.
View from the west, before the frame house.
Sunday picnic above the new lake, 1940s.
Swimming in the new lake, 1940s.
From the past to the future…
This extraordinary piece of American history has been in our family for generations. The current generation is charged with maintaining and presevering this property for years to come.