Montvale Springs, established in the early 1830s, evolved from a site where deer attracted hunters to a well-known resort featuring hotels, including the notable Seven Gables Hotel. The area is marked by historic trees and remnants of hospitality, including praised mineral waters and renowned cuisine. Today, Montvale continues its legacy as the Harmony Family Center, offering accommodations and community support for families.

1. 1832-2014

2. Deer came to drink at
the springs. Hunters
followed the deer, and
soon the land at the foot
of Chilhowee Mountain
became known as
Montvale Springs.

3. TThhee FFiirrsstt HHootteell
The first hotel
at Montvale was
a 10-room log
cabin built in
1832 by Daniel
Foute.

4. SSeevveenn GGaabblleess HHootteell
Asa Watson
replaced the log
hotel with this 125
room hotel that
could accommodate
300-400 guests.

5. MMoonnttvvaallee SSpprriinnggss HHootteell
By the 1860’s the
Seven Gables Hotel
had become known
worldwide as the
Saratoga of The
South.

6. HHiissttoorriicc TTrreeeess
Rare Ginkgo
trees planted in
the 1860’s by
Asa Watson,
survive today.
Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection

7. MMoonnttvvaallee CCeeddaarrss
Cedar trees
planted in
the 1800’s
line the old
Montvale
Road.
Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection

9. TThhee TThhiirrdd MMoonnttvvaallee SSpprriinnggss HHootteell
When the
original hotel
burned in 1896, it
was replaced in
1901 with a 5-
gable hotel that
could
accommodate 100
guests.

11. Guests
continued
visiting
Montvale
Springs to take
the waters.
Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection
11992200’’ss MMoonnttvvaallee

12. MMiinneerraall WWaatteerr
Montvale
spring water
was praised
for its health-giving
properties.
Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection

13. HHeeaalliinngg WWaatteerrss
Montvale
spring water
was described
as light,
refreshing, and
agreeable to
the taste.
Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection

14. MMoouunnttaaiinn VViieewwss
The hotel’s 200-
foot porch
looked toward
Chilhowee
Mountain and
the Smokies.
Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection

15. MMoonnttvvaallee HHootteell KKiittcchheennss
The hotel was
known for its
excellent food
especially its
homemade bread
and chicken pie.
Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection

16. SSeevveenn GGaabblleess PPaavviilliioonn
The last hotel at
Montvale burned
in 1933. Only the
steps remain.
The Seven Gables
Pavilion marks
the hotel site.

17. FFrraaggiillee SSttrruuccttuurreess
The Twin House
Little is known
of the origin or
the date of this
unusual
structure.

18. TThhee CCllaayy BBaarrnn
Circa 1911, is
thought to be
one of the first
rammed earth
structures east
of the
Mississippi.

20. MMoonnttvvaallee’’ss NNeexxtt CChhaapptteerr
Montvale’s
storied history
continues with
the Harmony
Family Center
at Montvale.

22. MMoonnttvvaallee iiss aavvaaiillaabbllee ffoorr
Cabins house
children and
families in the
Family Camp
program and
are available
for rental.
ccoommmmuunniittyy uussee

26. Thank You!
Your support of
Music at Montvale
benefits Harmony
Family Center and
will help hundreds
of Tennessee
children and
families.