Tennessee Ernie Ford House - Birthplace of Tennessee Ernie Ford

PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID-19, tours may not be currently available. Contact BHA at 276 466 9116 in advance of planning your trip.

In 1991, the Bristol Historical Association began a restoration of the birthplace of Tennessee Ernie Ford.  The home, located at 1223 Anderson Street in Bristol, Tennessee,  was built in the early 1900's.  Prior to proceeding with the restoration, Ernie Ford was contacted to determine his feelings about the project. He was elated to discover the intentions of the Association. When he returned to Bristol for the grand opening of the Paramount Center for the Arts in 1991, he met with members of the organization on several occasions. Later, upon his return to California, the "Old Pea Picker" made several phone calls to the Association, desiring to know how the restoration was progressing.  Following several years of extensive interior and exterior renovation work, furniture and artifacts from the early 1900's were purchased or donated, and the house was furnished as it would have been when the Ford family resided there including the back bedroom where Ernie was born on February 13, 1919.  Many original aspects of the house also remain, such as the vintage cast iron bathtub.  Tennessee Ernie said he could well remember being scrubbed in that old tub as a child!  One room of the home serves as a museum, honoring Tennessee Ernie's storied legacy and containing many personal artifacts, and it also contains displays and items representing the country music heritage of the region.  To arrange individual or group tours, contact BHA at bristoltnva@aol.com or call 276 466 9116.  NOTE: Due to COVID-19, tours may not be available, so please contact BHA in advance of planning your trip.