The Bledsoe's Lick-Castalian Springs area has a long history that reaches from evidence of animal life in the ice age thirty thousand years ago through Stone Age and Archaic period Indian artifacts, Woodland Indian ceremonial mounds built by Indians living in the village of Cheskiki, and the sulphur and salt water springs that drew vast numbers of buffalo and other animals. In 1778 Thomas Spencer established a settlement here, becoming the first to clear land and plant corn, and spent the winter in a hollow sycamore tree near the springs. Four other forts were built in the area in the 1780's and 90's: Asher's by William Asher, Greenfield by Anthony Bledsoe, Hall's Station by William Hall, and Ziegler's Station by Jacob Zeigler. Cragfont was built from 1796-1802 by General James Winchester as the first grand manor house west of the Appalachians, and Wynnewood was built as a log stage coach inn in 1828. The area was also a focal point of activity during the Civil War, including the battles of Hartsville and Gallatin, frequent skirmishes, and encampments of both Union and Confederate soldiers, and during World War II the U.S. Army conducted war games extensively throughout Sumner and surrounding counties.