Extracted from Guide to Genealogical and Historical Research in Jefferson County, Tennessee, copyright ©1995 Billie R. McNamara.  All rights reserved.  This page will be supplemented periodically as new information is located.  Additions and corrections are welcome via the Contact Us link on this Web site.

Some of the earliest businesses were ordinaries (inns and taverns), whose existence and rates charged for rooms, meals and beverages, and personal services were legislated by the Jefferson County Court.  The earliest were run by Edward George (1795), John Coulter, Alexander Outlaw, William Robinson, Jeremiah Shelley, James Roddy(e), James Doherty, Thomas Jarnigan (1793), and James Jack.

Four historic inns still exist in Dandridge, though they are no longer used for guest lodging.  More information about this is available at the DandridgeTN Web site.

• Roper Tavern - 217 W. Main Street – constructed circa 1817 by John Roper.
• Shepard's Inn - 136 E. Main Street – constructed circa 1820's by Shadrach Inman
• Hickman Tavern - 131 E. Main Street – constructed circa 1820's by the Fain family and later owned by Francis Hickman.
• Thomas Tavern - 101 E. Meeting Street – constructed circa 1843 by James Mitchell and later owned by James Thomas.