State Owned Historic Sites

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The Hotel Halbrook Railroad & Local History Museum will be restored to reflect life in the early 20th century, a story of the defining era for the Dickson community. The 1912 building is one of the few remaining examples of a rural Tennessee railroad hotel.

The first floor lobby and drummer's room will be interpreted to represent the hotel's railroad heritage-which is, of course, Dickson's heritage. This interpretation will also include the dining room, serving room, original kitchen, and the small room located to the left of the front lobby. The latter often served as a gathering place for drummers after meals and in the evenings. The Goad and Clement family rooms are located on the west side of the main hall and will be restored to the 1920-22 period.

Governor Frank Goad Clement was born in Room 5 on June 2, 1920. Clement became the longest serving modern Tennessee Governor (1953-59; 63-67) and at age 32, the nation's youngest. During his tenure which led to national prominence, Clement organized the nation's first department of mental health, oversaw the planning and construction of Tennessee's Interstate Highway System, provided free textbooks for students and successfully led the state through integration of public schools.