The Plantations and Antebellum Homes in Nashville, Tennessee were among the finest in the south. Many of these were on lands where cotton, tobacco and vegetables were farmed. Most were put out of business overnight when the Civil War ended.
The plantations and antebellum homes in Nashville that are on this list have all been restored. Today, they stand as memorials to the past. Each of these homes has been turned into museums and is open for tours.
#1 Plantations and Antebellum Homes in Nashville, Tennessee
Belle Meade Plantation Home
5025 Harding Pike
Nashville TN, 37205
Phone: 615.356.0501
Admission fee charged: Yes
At one time, the Belle Meade Plantation Home was the largest and finest thoroughbred farm in the south. It was owned by the original Harding family and descendants from 1807-1906 when it was sold to pay off debts.
Today the plantation is a fully restored Victorian home. Extensive remodeling returned the home to its 19th century appearance. The plantation is open for events and weddings. Visitors can tour the home, browse in the gift shop and enjoy the winery.
#2 Nashville area plantations and antebellum homes
Belmont Mansion
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615. 460.5459
Admission fee charged: Yes
The Belmont Mansion is reputed to be the largest home mansion in the state of Tennessee. It played a major part in the Battle of Franklin. During the battle, Belmont Plantation was occupied by Union Troops. It was there that battle preparations were made that would essentially end the Civil War in the west.
Belmont Mansion faces Belmont University. Tours are self-guided. Guides are posted along the way to answer questions.
#3 Nashville area plantations and antebellum homes
Historic Carnton Plantation
135 Carnton Ln.
Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615.794.0903
Admission fee charged: Yes
Historic Carnton Plantation served as the largest Confederate field hospital in the Battle of Franklin. Blood stains are still apparent on the floors. In the immediate aftermath of the battle, plantation owners John and Carrie McGavock, gave two acres of their land to become a cemetery. Almost 1,500 soldiers who died in the Battle of Franklin are buried there.
The home and cemetery is now open for events and tours. Special programs for children, scouts and students are available.
#4 Nashville area plantations and antebellum homes
Carter House
1140 Columbia Avenue
Franklin, TN 37065
Phone: 615.791.1861
Admission fee charged: Yes
The Carter House served as the Union command post during the Battle of Franklin. Taking refuge in the basement below the home were the Carter family, Lotz family from across the street and another family. The house is maintained by the Battle of Franklin Trust.
Visitors can now tour the Carter House. Special programs for children are offered throughout the year. It is also available for weddings and special events.
#5 Nashville area plantations and antebellum homes
Lotz House Civil War House Museum
1111 Columbia Avenue
Franklin, Tennessee 37064
Phone: 615.790.7190
Admission fee charged: Yes
Mr. Lotz was a German immigrant and master craftsman who is said to have constructed and detailed the house himself. .Located directly across the street from the Carter House, the Lotz House did not emerge unscathed during the Civil War. A large cannonball blasted through the roof and second floor. It came to a final stop on the first floor of the home.
Featured in the home is the artwork of Matilda Lotz who was 6 at the time of the battle. She went on to become a famous artist whose highly prized work was sought after around the globe.
#6 Nashville area plantations and antebellum homes
Oaklands Historic house Museum
900 North Maney Ave.
Murfreesboro, TN
Phone: 615-893-0022
Admission fee charged: Yes
Oaklands Historic House Museum was a large plantation. Cotton and tobacco were the major crops. Union troops on the property were overtaken by Confederate soldiers. The Oaklands mansion served as the scene for the Confederate acceptance of the surrender of Murfreesboro.
#7 Nashville area plantations and antebellum homes
Rippa Villa Plantation
5700 Main St Spring Hill, TN 37174-2408
Phone: 931.486.9037
Admission fee charged: Yes
Nathaniel F. Cheairs had this home built in 1855. Civil War artifacts are on display as are family heirlooms. Tours are available. The home serves as a location for weddings and special events. A gift shop is on the property.
#8 Nashville area plantations and antebellum homes
Travellers Rest
636 Farrell Parkway
Nashville, TN 37220
Phone: 615. 832. 8197
Admission fee charged: Yes
Plans for the building of Travellers Rest were secured by John Overton in 1799. It started out as a small four room house and slowly evolved into the mansion that visitors can now tour. John Overton was a Tennessee Supreme Court Judge, advisor to President Andrew Jackson and later became one of the founders of Memphis.
The history of Travellers Rest begins hundreds of years before the Civil War. There is evidence that it was a Mississippian settlement in about 1450 A.D.
In preparation for the Civil War Battle of Nashville the home served as the Confederate headquarters under General John Bell Hood. Later Travellers Rest would become famous for breeding some of the finest Arabian horses in the world.
Sources:
Travellers Rest
RippaVilla.org
Oaklands Museum
Lotz House
Carter House
Carnton Plantation
Belmont Mansion
Belle Meade Plantation
