How Blount Mansion is tied to the US and Tennessee constitutions KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Before Tennessee was a state, and not too long after the Declaration of Independence was signed, William Blount's house was built on present-day West Hill Avenue. "He's really the politician that's tasked with creating what becomes the state of Tennessee," said David Hearnes, the executive director of the Blount Mansion. The mansion was built in 1792.