Explored and settled just a few short years after our nation declared its independence, the city of Goodlettsville has a rich historical heritage. The town, situated in Davidson and Sumner counties, originated as Mansker’s Station, a fort established in 1780 by Kasper Mansker, a Virginia long hunter who first explored the area in 1772. The establishment of Mansker Fort coincided with the founding of Fort Nashborough, later known as Nashville, by John Robertson. Mansker and Robertson scouted the sites in 1779.

The date that Mansker’s Station began to be called Goodlettsville is not known, but a commercial directory refers to the name as early as 1853. The town was named for the Reverend Adam G. Goodlett, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister who moved to Mansker’s Station in the 1840s.

In 1857, citizens petitioned the Tennessee General Assembly to incorporate the village as a town, and its boundaries were outlined. In 1958 Goodlettsville was incorporated a second time following growth that demanded a tax-supported base to supply services to its residents.

Goodlettsville residents have managed to retain our small-town feel while enjoying our big-city convenience. Major corporations have made us their home, as have people just looking for a great place to raise their children. Those who live in Goodlettsville like to take advantage of the huge commercial district near River Gate mall, which is right on the city's border. Everyone in the area enjoy an extensive choice of major retail and restaurant chains around the mall. But the heart of the city is very different. Goodlettsville has been a town in its own right since the mid-19th century, and the city's little downtown includes River Gate Mall’s 150+ stores and 15 eateries, Main Street’s antique malls and specialty shops, and countless other exciting retail outlets.

Today Goodlettsville’s rich heritage can be enjoyed in such places as the city’s Frontier Life Center, or on Main Street where buildings from the city’s past house antique stores and specialty shops. At the Frontier Life Center, guests enjoy 18th Century Tennessee, guided by re-enactors through reconstructed Mansker’s Station, considered to be one of the most historically-accurate in the nation, and the Bowen Plantation House, the region’s earliest brick structure, outfitted in its simple, 1790’s finery.

Mansker’s Station’s Frontier Life Center has been called “one of the most outstanding living history attractions in the United States.” With guides in period dress, you’ll experience an authentic forted station, the region’s earliest brick home, and living history demonstrations that include a fully-operational blacksmith shop.

Long Hollow Winery, owned and operated by Opry star Stu Phillips and his wife Aldona, offers complementary tasting daily, with dry, semi-dry and sweet red and white wines. Special concerts and parties are available for groups by request.