Southern Hospitality Lives at Beautiful Belle Meade Mansion

By Kristina Soles

Raider Shakedown Reporter

NASHVILLE, Tenn -- The Belle Meade Mansion, located at 110 Leake Ave. in west Davidson County, is a place of timeless beauty, surrounded by trees, green pastures and celebrated history.

The plantation consists of 11 houses, all of which are available for touring. History is richly preserved, and places like the mansion, slave cabin, mausoleum and smokehouse are open to be explored. Tours of the mansion are held every half hour, and no cameras are allowed, but stepping through the building’s doors is like going back in time.

Patio view of the mansion

Everything from wallpaper to carpet is preserved, carpet being made exactly the same way it was manufactured in the 1800s. The mansion holds its own private original art collection, which includes priceless family documents, photographs, coin silver and commissioned paintings by some of the most talented artists of the 19th century.

“The carpet is not original," said tour guide Jason Greenplate. "We made it in the same way it was made historically. They had this house carpeted as early as the 1880s. They laid the carpet down almost like sod, one row after the other.”

As if the turn-of-the-century charm wasn't enough, the plantation also offers a complimentary wine tasting for its of-age guests. Wines range from tart and paired with seafood to rich and partnered with deserts. The winery is filled with plenty of hors d’oeuvres, spirits and bar-related trinkets. A second gift shop at the ticket entrance is popular to visitors of all ages. The plantation also has it’s own in-house restaurant, The Harding House, which provides lunch, brunch, and full-service catering.

Walkway next to the winery

Belle Meade was founded by John Harding and started out as a small brick building that went from a slave-run saw mill to a thoroughbred race horse ranch as the popular derby sport grew. William Giles Harding, John’s son, took management of the plantation and had a heavy interest in all aspects of breeding and racing. The Civil War largely interrupted the thoroughbred business, and many horses from other farms were taken for use by the army, but General Harding was able to keep most of his horses.

In 1867, General Harding made the first sale of horses bred from his farm and largely popularized the auction system. He became the most successful thoroughbred breeder and distributor in Tennessee. When General William Giles Harding died in 1886, the The Spirit of the Times newspaper praised him as having done as much to promote breeding interests as any American in the 19th century.

In 1870, only five formerly enslaved families lived at Belle Meade. Several families continued to work at the farm, although they eventually moved off the land and purchased homes around Nashville.

“Right before the Civil War, the 1860 Census says there were 136 slaves living and working on the property,” said Greenplate. “About 74 will stay on as paid employees after the war.”

By the time of Harding’s death, General William Hicks Jackson had married Selene, Harding’s oldest daughter, and owned most of the farm. General Jackson’s flair for entertainment and outgoing nature helped the farm attract thousands of guests to the yearling sales. He modernized and expanded the interior in 1883, introducing the Greek Revival style seen today and added three full bathrooms, complete with hot and cold running water and a telephone in 1887.

The old Southern plantation attracted many prestigious visitors who were treated to barbecues, trips to the massive deer park on the estate, and tours of the thoroughbred paddocks, experiencing first hand the success and hospitality of Belle Meade.

By 1893, a weakened economy led the family into serious debt. By 1906, all of the 2,600 acres that at one time belonged to Selene and General Jackson had been auctioned or sold including the Belle Meade Mansion.

“From 1906 - 1953, Belle Meade was owned by several private families,” said Greenplate. “In 1953, the house was sold to the state of Tennessee, then deeded to the Association of the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, which is the organization that currently runs and owns the land.”

Storm clouds brew over the mansion

Often with land that is rich in history, there are rumors of hauntings.

“I've worked here three years now and have never seen or heard anything,” said Greenplate. “Now, some people have said they heard footsteps, or the wind was blowing around, but I’m not buying it.”

Belle Meade is a place of timeless beauty and a jump into a different time. Young or old, the site is breathtaking, and true to it’s infamous Southern hospitality. If you’re interested in history, preservation, art, the finer things in life, nature, or just a good time, look no further - Belle Meade is a perfect place to be.

To learn more about Belle Meade Mansion or buy tickets, visit www.bellemeadeplantation.com or call (615) 356-0501.

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