HISTORIC RUGBY, TENNESSEE

Historic Rugby Today

OUR MISSION: To carry out and encourage, within the context of a living historic village, the restoration, preservation, protection and interpretation of the man-made and natural historic resources and the British Isles and Appalachian heritage of the Rugby Colony National Register Historic District, and to help ensure controlled and architecturally compatible new development, for the education and benefit of all people.

Historic Rugby is one of America's most intriguing historic sites. It operates within the tiny village of Rugby, a living community. More than 65,000 visitors from all 50 states and many foreign countries are welcomed to Historic Rugby annually for guided tours, workshops, special events and overnight lodging in restored historic buildings.

Non-profit Historic Rugby was formed by area residents in 1966 who were determined to begin restoring and preserving the remaining buildings and landscape and interpreting Rugby's history to the public. In 1972 Historic Rugby was listed as a district on the National Register of Historic Places, and today is pursuing National Landmark status. Daily tours, workshops and educational programs and events take place year round.

While much has been accomplished, much more remains to be done to assure Historic Rugby's continued interpretation and perpetual preservation and protection from incompatible development. Perhaps the most challenging and exciting project yet undertaken is the restoration of 1881 Uffington House, the home of the founder's aged mother and young niece. When that is accomplished, further historic reconstructions are planned, including the Alexander/Perrigo Boarding House and, someday, the three-story Tabard Inn with its wide verandahs, billiard room and Victorian furnished bedrooms and dining room.

That there was anything left to restore and preserve in Rugby is due to these dear people and many others too numerous to mention....people who believed that one day Rugby would thrive again.

Thanks to the support of residents, members and donors, Rugby is indeed thriving again, without sacrificing its historic integrity and natural beauty. Thomas Hughes and his followers would be proud.