See Abraham's family record.

This old house was built between the late 1700's and early 1800's and was known as the McKay Fort. During Indian raids, the neighbors would take refuge in the house, probably because of it's solid construction. It is made of bricks that were formed from clay in the area. The bricks were fired and laid by two slaves that were owned at the time. The walls are three bricks thick throughout the house The house contains 3 fireplaces with an opening in each room, both up and down stairs. The front porch is inlaid with large marble pieces. The floor is made of pine boards. The rafters are made out of pine poles which still contain the bark, and the decking slats are made from either walnut or chestnut boards. The boards were only ripped and not edged. Historians in the area stated that the back portion of the house, which is now the kitchen, was the original structure. This area was lived in while the remainder of the house was built. The house is now vacant but was continually lived in until the year 1978.

The house sets on 525 acres of land that backs up to the Pigeon Forge River. As far as can be determined, this is the original homestead that has never been subdivided. The back of the house is only about 60 yards from the river. The old original hand dug well is about 30 feet from the house, walled-up with rocks taken from the river. No mortar was used between the rock and the depth is about 40-45 feet. The well still contains water and is in useable condition.

by Junior McKay
2005