Buchanan Log House

1. Carved Markings, Upstairs Fireplace Keystone
The surviving east fireplace on the second floor of the Buchanan House has inscribed geometric markings on the face of the dressed keystone centered in the arched lintel above the opening.  The etching is possibly related to Masonic symbolism.  At this time, neither the meaning nor the purpose of these markings is known, although they appear to represent the phases of the moon. (1)

2. Buchanan Log House vs Buchanan Cemetery
Both of these properties have a shared history and enjoy a cooperative relationship but are managed by separate and distinct groups. The Nashville Metro Council in January 2023 approved a Historic Landmark Overlay District for both properties.

3. Buchanan Log House vs Buchanan Station
Buchanan Log House is the James Buchanan family, son of Archibald and Agnes Buchanan of Clover Bottom (not the Maj. John Buchanan of Buchanan Station).

4. James Buchanan (Us) vs James Buchanan (President)
The James Buchanan (b. 1763) of this log house is not related to Tennessee's presidential James Buchanan (b. 1791).

5. A Hidden Doorway
as part of the preservation efforts supported by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Cecilia Bradford Carroll Chapter NSDAR, a concealed doorway was found to the left of the original limestone chimney. Based on the construction and dowels found at the site, this was likely an original door close to the hearth to make it easy for firewood to be brought in from the outside.

6. Mud Tavern Legacy
Like all early Donelson settlers, Buchanan Log House holds a fondness for the history of Mud Tavern -- the early settlement name of the Donelson area toward Buchanan Station -- as it is entwined with its history. No records remain about the tavern (pre-1816 and believed near what is today the intersection of the Elm Hill and McGavock Pikes) and no ruins remain of the actual tavern but the community name remained well into the first half of the 20th century (1950s). Some GPS apps today still note Mud Tavern as a local map waypoint.