Name It and Take It: Kasper Mansker and the Long Hunters of Tennessee

Before Tennessee was settled, an intrepid group of hunters and explorers—known as the long hunters—ventured into the uncharted wilderness of the trans-Appalachian frontier. Their journeys helped map the land, introduced them to Indigenous peoples, and shaped the early settlement of Tennessee. This presentation, drawn from my forthcoming book, will highlight the remarkable stories of figures like Kasper Mansker, exploring their role in frontier expansion, mythmaking, and the lasting impact they left on the state’s history.

Gordon Belt is an author, public historian, and Director of Public Services for the Tennessee State Library & Archives with more than two decades of experience in historical research and public outreach. He is the author of John Sevier: Tennessee’s First Hero and is currently writing a new book on Tennessee’s long hunters.

This Lunch and Learn event is in-person in the Museum’s Digital Learning Center at 12:00. No RSVPs are required to attend this free event. It will also be livestreamed on the Museum’s website at TNMuseum.org/Videos. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] lunches made by Apple Spice Nashville are available for purchase for $12.24 to enjoy during the event. The lunches will include a sandwich, chips, and a cookie. Lunch orders must be placed by noon on Tuesday May 13, 2025. Please order your boxed lunch on the ticket registration page.

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