Sewanee Families: we have a place for you!
The Franklin-Pearson House represents over 100 years of Sewanee hospitality and tradition.
In fact, Sewanee families and Sewanee visitors are our primary customer base!
The Franklin-Pearson House is a great choice because we are only 7 miles from campus and because our rooms and rates are a great value!
The Franklin-Pearson House represents over 100 years of Sewanee hospitality and tradition.
In fact, Sewanee families and Sewanee visitors are our primary customer base!
The Franklin-Pearson House is a great choice because we are only 7 miles from campus and because our rooms and rates are a great value!
Book early for major events!
We tend to sell out very quickly for Orientation, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Lessons and Carols, and Commencement. Check our online calendar [click here] or call us (931) 962-3223 as soon as you make plans.
Add your name to our Wait List
We gladly offer a no-obligation Wait List for sold-out major event weekends. Simply e-mail us or call the front desk to add your name and number.
We tend to sell out very quickly for Orientation, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Lessons and Carols, and Commencement. Check our online calendar [click here] or call us (931) 962-3223 as soon as you make plans.
Add your name to our Wait List
We gladly offer a no-obligation Wait List for sold-out major event weekends. Simply e-mail us or call the front desk to add your name and number.
Staying in Cowan is a Sewanee tradition!
The University House, Cowan, Tenn. Founded 1852
University House
The first Sewanee hotel wasn't in Sewanee! In the early days people visiting The Mountain stayed at the University House hotel in Cowan, Tennessee.
University House, also known as the Cowan Hotel, was built beside the railroad and served guests traveling by train to and from the area. Many stories have been told over year of Bishops, Trustees, and other important visitors staying here for the night before venturing through the mountain wilderness to the reach the University Domain.
The University House / Cowan Hotel was located in the area across the street from the Franklin-Pearson House.
The first Sewanee hotel wasn't in Sewanee! In the early days people visiting The Mountain stayed at the University House hotel in Cowan, Tennessee.
University House, also known as the Cowan Hotel, was built beside the railroad and served guests traveling by train to and from the area. Many stories have been told over year of Bishops, Trustees, and other important visitors staying here for the night before venturing through the mountain wilderness to the reach the University Domain.
The University House / Cowan Hotel was located in the area across the street from the Franklin-Pearson House.
The Franklin House, Cowan, Tenn. Founded 1886
The Franklin House
The Industrial Revolution brought growth and innovation to the area, and with that the town of Cowan got a new hotel. The Franklin House, built in 1886, was famous for its fine accommodations and a renowned restaurant that provided contract meal service to rail passengers.
Mrs. Ann Campbell Lasater, the owner and proprietor, was loved by generations of Sewanee students.
The story goes that students who could not afford to stay overnight in the hotel were permitted by the constable to sleep in the local jail. Mrs. Lasater invited the students who slept in the jail to join her the next morning for breakfast at no charge.
The Industrial Revolution brought growth and innovation to the area, and with that the town of Cowan got a new hotel. The Franklin House, built in 1886, was famous for its fine accommodations and a renowned restaurant that provided contract meal service to rail passengers.
Mrs. Ann Campbell Lasater, the owner and proprietor, was loved by generations of Sewanee students.
The story goes that students who could not afford to stay overnight in the hotel were permitted by the constable to sleep in the local jail. Mrs. Lasater invited the students who slept in the jail to join her the next morning for breakfast at no charge.
Interesting Fact: Sewanee Junction
The railroad, the hotel, and the thriving downtown made Cowan an extremely important asset to Sewanee for over a hundred years. It was so important that, in the late 1800's, The University of the South petitioned the State of Tennessee to change the name of Cowan to "Sewanee Junction". Needless to say, the bill did not pass, but it did bring to light the important relationship between the two communities. The construction of the Interstate highway through Monteagle and the loss of passenger trains lessened Cowan's role as a center of business. However, Cowan is still an important part of the regional economy and a real asset to people who visit Sewanee.
The railroad, the hotel, and the thriving downtown made Cowan an extremely important asset to Sewanee for over a hundred years. It was so important that, in the late 1800's, The University of the South petitioned the State of Tennessee to change the name of Cowan to "Sewanee Junction". Needless to say, the bill did not pass, but it did bring to light the important relationship between the two communities. The construction of the Interstate highway through Monteagle and the loss of passenger trains lessened Cowan's role as a center of business. However, Cowan is still an important part of the regional economy and a real asset to people who visit Sewanee.
