The Inn at Sycamore Landing

In a setting of natural beauty, where the Tennessee and Duck Rivers merge lies Sycamore Landing. This beautiful Victorian home is a significant landmark of Sycamore Landing. Sycamore Landing received its name coincidentally in May, 1868, by William Wyatt, a merchant in a nearby community, who when he was asked where his merchandise should be delivered said to bring it to the old dead Sycamore tree on the Tennessee River bank just above the mouth of Duck River. Thus the landing became known as Sycamore Landing and became one of the largest, most prosperous ports. Peanuts, crossties, and beef cattle were all shipped from there.

The Victorian two and a half story clapboard home, frequently used as an inn, was built about one half mile from the river landing port, by H.W. Hooper in 1890. Travelers often stopped overnight while waiting for another ship and “drummers” who provided merchandise to the store were frequent guests. A notable guest was Dorothy Bower of Paducah, KY, who married Alben W. Barkley, a Kentucky Senator and later vice-president of the United States. Some of the families who lived in the home and/or operated the inn/hotel were Mrs. & Mrs. H.W. Hooper, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Buchanan, Mrs. George Exum, Mr. & Mrs. John R. Anderson, Mr. & Mrs. George O’Guin, and Mr. & Mrs. Gray Cavendar, and the Jacksons.
In October 1916, George T. and John W. Anderson (sons of James T. Anderson) bought all of Sycamore Landing at auction from Dennis Jones who was married to their sister, Ethel, and was a former partner of Jones and Hooper until becoming sole owner. The Anderson brothers operated a mercantile, general farming, and shipping business for many years. Some of those who worked in the store were Bob Work, David Abernathy, Judson Cates, Cora Cates, W.J. Nolan, Orson Fields, Gray Cavendar, Joel Anderson, Jewel Anderson, Nell and Minnie Stricklin, Betty and Mary Jo Larkin, Frances Hardin and members of the John Anderson family.

George T. Anderson and his family and at other times, John W. Anderson and his family lived in the Victorian home. After George T. Anderson died in 1924, his widow, Ida Cannon Anderson maintained a residence in the home.

In the early 1940’s the TVA bought most of the land fronting the Tennessee River, and expanded the River into Kentucky Lake, creating a wildlife refuge and a sportsman’s paradise. Since Sycamore Landing was on a high point it was saved, and a boat dock built. The inn, general store and boat dock all operated as successful businesses for many years. Families who lived there and operated the house and/or the boat dock were, the Sylvester Brakes, the Earl Grahams, the Troy Wilsons, the George Thomas Smiths, and the Charlie Boyd Jacksons. The last family members to reside in the home were Mrs. John W. Anderson’s brother, Cullen Weems and his wife Earlene. Their grandchildren from California, Paul, Scott, Brad, and Paige Parsons lived with them in the house for a year or so and fondly recall their many happy times there. Many family members recall visits and reunions at both houses with the Andersons’s children, and grandchildren, Ron, Melany, Russ, John, Mark, and Carol.

John W. Anderson remained the sole owner of Sycamore Landing until his death in 1972. Then his children, Joe.W. Anderson, Mary Ethel Anderson Gattis, and Joy Anderson were owners until fall, 2008, when Sycamore Landing was sold. Presently, the property is owned by Bill Johnson and Joe Fowlkes. Bill Johnson is the owner of the Victorian home and has spent many hours restoring, decorating, and creating the beautiful Victorian home as is seen today. This beautiful home with so much history and character will be opened as an upscale “Bed and Breakfast” on September 1, 2014, so all who choose may enjoy its beauty, its scenery and its history. Many thanks to Author, Joy Anderson.