By 1868, William Harding’s daughter Selene had married William Hicks Jackson. 10/10 would recommend. Today, we honor their legacy and recognize the triumph of black excellence. I was a little bummed you couldn’t take any pictures in the house during the tours. Its large-scale farming operations from the 1840's through the 1880's were very likely the most successful in the Mid-South during half a century. They spotted a group of Union Soldiers who had camped on the front lawn near the Natchez Trail. By 1906, 2600 acres of the Plantation had been sold. Interior of the reconstructed slave quarters Today, Belle Meade's grounds cover 30 acres (120,000 m 2) and have 10 outbuildings scattered throughout the estate, including the original 1790s log cabin purchased by John Harding in 1807 with the property. He had no formal education and did not come from a wealthy family, but he was a hard working man, a skilled farmer, and an entrepreneur. At … Just like many other plantations, this one had slaves. I completely agree, Isabel. This estate is so beautiful and looks like a wonderful place to visit and learn about Southern historical culture..I’ve never been to a plantation, but would definitely like to see one soon! On a recent summer day, a group stands in front of the small slave quarters at Belle Meade Plantation, waiting to take a tour called “Journey to Jubilee.” Dedicated to telling the forgotten perspectives of those enslaved on the Belle Meade Plantation, the goal is to take a walk in a slave’s shoes. Series: the Belle Meade Plantation no vels, Book 1 October 2012. most historic homes tours i’ve done allow pics. The only downside was the slaves' part of the story, the Journey to Jubilee, was segregated for the main house. but otherwise i loved the whole experience. And wine at the end, for the win! From his initial 250-acre purchase on the “Old Natchez Road,” seven miles from Nashville, Harding built Belle Meade into a twelve-hundred-acre plantation. My husband and I ran into friends form Nashville about 3 weeks ago. they ooze with charm and make me want to have lived in another time period…and then the tour guides mention corsets and i’m like “ahh, hell no! !” LOL, WINE. This place has quite the history! This plantation focused its efforts on breeding race horses. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been in effect to a limited extent for two years, and although the 13th Amendment (which declared slavery unconstitutional) had been passed by Congress earlier in the year, the slow speed with which information was disseminated meant that many people living in enslavement in Texas did not realize that freedom had come. Open Daily: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Central). I'd love to see the two tours made into one. He was born in 1827 to an enslaved woman and John Catron, a justice of the supreme courts of the United States and Tennessee. Yes! Lending insights into the indelible plantation legacy left behind by John Harding, the Belle Meade Plantation is deeply entrenched in a long-standing lineage which has been an important part of the cultural history of America. The inside of home is beautifully restored and filled with plenty of original art work, pictures, and trinkets from the Jackson/Harding families. Guests were treated to the old charm of a stunning southern plantation along with delicious barbecues and tours of the thoroughbred paddocks. . I had no idea there was a plantation in Nashville. I’m a slight (read: huge) history nerd so I had questions for nearly every room we toured and each guide was happy to answer my questions. I’ve never been to a plantation, and it’s one of the things I’m REALLY hoping to do eventually (aiming for summer 2017)!!! With his new found business and profit from thoroughbred racing, the Belle Meade Plantation continued to grow at an alarming rate. The Belle Meade Winery is a non-profit, so while they can sell their wine (at the Plantation or online) they cannot distribute their wine. I can see why you loved visiting. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – The story of Belle Meade Plantation and the African-Americans enslaved there has been told countless times, but no one tells it like Brigette Jones. MTSU’s Center for Historic Preservation and Belle Meade Plantation, governed by the Nashville Chapter of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA). In March 2014, John Lamb, Curator at Belle Meade Plantation, requested this report from the Dr. Carroll Van West. By 1860, Belle Meade was home to 136 enslaved men, women, and children. . it was very easy to get to and not far away at all! Thank you for such informative post! Slowly but surely, Harding’s operation grew and soon he became on of the largest slaves owners in Nashville (a definite sign of status and money in those days). Jones … Belle Meade Tours. It was so interesting to learn about a different type of plantation “crop” while we were there, and it’s so crazy to think that a lot of the racing horses that we know about today can trace their roots back to Belle Meade. James Thomas was well-acquainted with powerful white southerners, intimate even. During the three decades of his management, Harding sold blacksmith services, farm products, and dressed lumber and established an important stud farm. The Belle Meade Plantation is everything that’s beautiful about the South wrapped up into one historic 150 year home and estate. In December 1864, during the Battle of Nashville, a small skirmish occurred on the front lawn of Belle Meade Mansion. The Belle Meade Plantation opened its very own winery in 2009. CarrieGillaspie.com participates in select affiliate programs. At the time, The was the preeminent sport of the times. Elizabeth was from the Carnton Plantation in Franklin owned by her Father, Randall McGavock, A former mayor of Nashville. From the complimentary wine tastings to our on-site shopping loved by the locals, Belle Meade … Their strength and spirit can be heard about in our tours, seen in the quality of the construction of our outbuildings, and felt in the photographs we have throughout the property. The slavery issue is always a sad one to hear about. The Journey to Jubilee Tour invites discussion and explores the stories of the enslaved African-Americans who were brought to, and born at, Belle Meade from 1807 through the years following Emancipation. This is a great review of the mansion/plantation. Read more . It’s so sad (but understandable) that so much of the land was sold in the early 1900s. 10\10 would tour again. He developed They invited us to their house and I feel like taking that invitation seriously! En 1953, la plantation est rachetée par l' Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities et est transformée en musée. Choose among three distinct tour options that each offer their own take on Belle Meade Plantation and its rich cultural significance. Their numerous skills and talents included blacksmithing, horse breeding, training, grooming, and racing. great food and great vibe throughout the entire city! That’ll be coming in a future post! Black- White Relationships on the Belle Meade Plantation By W. Ridley Wills II Although horrible the legacy the both it reality in left the for of injustice its any black form it victims, promoted of slavery there was and Although horrible both in the injustice it promoted and the legacy it left for its black victims, there were significant variations in the quality of treatment I’m with @laurenonlocation:disqus , sometimes it is hard to imagine the life that those places had and the reasons of why they thrived. John Harding (1777-1867) was an American Southern planter and thoroughbred breeder in Middle Tennessee, near Nashville. 3 by Major General Gordon Granger to the people of Texas on June 19, 1865, ordering that all slaves in the state be freed. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. In 1806, John Harding purchased 200 acres of land that would eventually become the Belle Meade Plantation. By 1860, The Plantation had grown to over 3500 acres, with 136 enslaved people working for the plantation. Each Homeschool Day program will feature one of our historic outbuildings and the history that surrounds it. Horses and thoroughbred racing were no long the center of attention and no longer the money making business they once were. TV Host + Reporter + Writer + Wife + Dog Mom + Jesus Lover + Eternal Optimist. Nashville, TN 37205. By 1875, Harding and Jackson stepped away from horse racing and decided to focus all of their efforts exclusively on thoroughbred breeding. Additionally, guests can explore the history and natural beauty of Belle Meade on a Guided Segway Tour of our arboretum and grounds. haha. … Belle Meade Plantation: Guided tour slave focus - See 5,797 traveler reviews, 1,414 candid photos, and great deals for Nashville, TN, at Tripadvisor. While full emancipation across the South did not happen overnight, over time June 19th came to symbolize a date of independence for the formerly enslaved. President and Mrs. Grover Cleveland, Robert Todd Lincoln, General U.S. Grant, General William T. Sherman, General Winfield Scott Hancock, and Adlai E. Stevenson were all guests at the Belle Meade Plantation. The tour lasted about 45 minutes and took us all throughout the house, top to bottom. The 2019 Juneteenth event, scheduled for June 22, will be a big celebration at the plantation.. Brigette Jones is director of African American studies at Belle Meade Plantation … . Belle Meade had a large population of slaves, many of whom developed specialized skills as tradesmen, while others became jockeys, trainers, and groomsmen. just another reason to go back! Confederate soldiers, led by Lt. Bleeker, were on a supply run and were passing by the Belle Meade Farm. The best part? There is a variety of tours you can take including a grounds tour, a mansion tour, and a wine and cheese paring tour. On Saturday, June 22, 2019, we will honor the legacy of African Americans in Nashville by featuring local vendors, artists, speakers, authors, and performances. wanna be a part of the gang?! Date of experience: July 2018. Which means that it can’t be found being served off the menu in any restaurants or bars. I’m a bit obsessed with Gone With the Wind, and any and all Southern legends/stories. it’s so funny you mention Hart of Dixie because I saw it on Netflix last week and was thinking i need to start watching it now that I’m living in the South! Following their marriage at Carnton, William brought his new bride home to Belle Meade. , I would love to visit a plantation down South! The first slaves arrived to Belle Meade in 1807, and as decades rolled on, the number of slaves tripled to 136 of by 1860 based on the 1860 census record. What a beautiful place and so full of history too! Belle Meade was a plantation in Tennessee. Meade has The been reasons properly for its christened renown are "Queen numerous of Tennessee and the Plantations." , Thanks so much, Swags! haha. Now that I’ve gone on one plantation tour I’d love to do more! Belle Meade Plantation: Remembering Slavery - See 6,050 traveler reviews, 1,459 candid photos, and great deals for Nashville, TN, at Tripadvisor. By the early 1900’s, baseball began to gain popularity and took over as the sport America couldn’t get enough of. 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Immerse all of your senses in history, as you visit multiple activity stations, filled with lessons, crafts, and more in each of our 2-hour programs! She assumed managing their household slaves and seeing to the day to day operation of their household. What? The couple soon moved to the Plantation so that William Jackson could help his father-in-law, William Harding manage the Belle Meade Plantation. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. I’ll have to check out the plantation if/when I ever return to Nashville! Between 1906 and 1951 The Belle Meade went through 6 different owners of no relation to the Jackson/Harding families. Belle Meade Plantation used enslaved workers in the 19th century to help with the work of breading and training thoroughbred horses for racing. The venue is conveniently located 7 miles west of downtown Nashville, TN! Instead of having one tour guide the entire time, there were different guides for each room in the house. This means that if you make a purchase through certain links on the site or any related social media platforms, CarrieGillaspie.com may make a commission at no extra charge to you from that purchase. Thank Keaten P . The Belle Meade Plantation is also home to a restaurant called. All of the guides were women and all were dressed in traditional dresses that would have been worn around the mid-1900’s. Ask Keaten P about Belle Meade Plantation . Belle Meade Plantation coupons page at HotDeals is very convenient for you use, in order to shop online with big discounts. I actually checked out some of the historic places in downtown Montgomery, AL last week and was stunned to hear about the slave history in the city. The beautiful Live Oak and Magnolia trees, the front porches, the people, everything about it makes me warm inside. The Belle Meade Plantation is now a popular tourist attraction for those visiting Nashville. Best known among them was Robert Green, head groomer, much sought after for his knowledge of horses. Juneteenth celebrates the issuance of General Order No. I am such a history nerd so I loved this tour so much. The first time I stepped foot onto the grounds of Belle Meade Plantation and learned of Uncle Bob Green, Susanna Carter, and so many other former slaves who lived and worked at Belle Meade, I knew I wanted to write stories that included them, the magnificent estate they helped to create, and this crucial time in our struggling nation’s history. With his new found business and profit from thoroughbred racing, the Belle Meade Plantation continued to grow at an alarming rate. Belle Meade Plantation at Christmas (Source: Vacations Made Easy). In fact, every winner of the Kentucky Derby from 2003 to 2014 can trace its bloodline back to this farm. And with a wine tasting at the end of the tour… this just might be the one , I completely agree, Lauren! By 1860, The Plantation had grown to over 3500 acres, with 136 enslaved people working for the plantation. – wife of J. Harding (m.1806) Harding family: William Giles Harding (b.1808-d.1886) – son of J. and S.S. Harding, inherited Belle Meade … Nashville is such a cute city! I wanted to do one in New Orleans (they have some stunning plantations there) but I ran out of time. Nashville? Belle Meade’s historic site provides a private destination for medium to large events, up to 200 guests, for a wedding ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, or other social events. */. He named the estate Belle Meade which means “beautiful meadow”. By 1820, Harding began construction on a new modest brick home on a small hill. Harding family: John Harding (b.1777-d.1865) – founder; Susannah Shute Harding (b.1785-d.?) I’m so glad that you enjoyed your visit to Belle Meade Plantation! Although the Civil War put a kink in many thoroughbred breeding businesses, the Hardings, led by William’s management, were able to continue growing their operation and eventually developed an auction system for their thoroughbreds (the first of its kind). You really can’t ask for anything better than ending your tour at the winery either! Belle Meade Plantation: Remembering Slavery - See 6,033 traveler reviews, 1,455 candid photos, and great deals for Nashville, TN, at Tripadvisor. Harding saw an opportunity for profit and soon added thoroughbred boarding and breeding to his list of services the Belle Meade Plantation offered. Experience the sights, sounds, and even tastes of history all around Belle Meade Plantation! the slave culture of those days is always hard for me to wrap my mind around. Founded by John Harding in 1807, “Belle Meade” translates to mean beautiful meadow in old English and French . Additionally, Belle Meade’s domestic staff was famous for their award-winning wines, cordials, and cooking skills. I mean let’s face it, I got my “knowledge” on the Southern States from Hart of Dixie and that can’t be right Definitely need to visit one day . You can view our privacy policy here. I thought for sure this had to be a ways out of the city, but it wasn’t at all! The plantation has also played host to many famous guests including Presidents Grover Cleveland and General Sherman. Even though stories of slavery always make me pretty sad, it’s important to remember as well! Beginning in 1866, former enslaved men and women in Texas celebrated the first “Juneteenth”. my thoughts too Ruth! I also desperately want to re-watch Sweet home Alabama. I’ve never been to an old plantation. YES. I knew very little about the plantations so thanks so much for posting such an informative post . As time passed and generations of the family took ownership of the Plantation, it became less and less of a priority to keep the estate in the family. Belle Meade Plantation’s story began in 1807 with a single log cabin set on 250 acres. Each mansion tour ends with a wine tasting! it’s so charming and pretty! 1860: 135 slaves, 28 slave houses [1860 U.S. Federal Census – Slave Schedules, 11th District, Davidson, Tennessee, William Harding] ASSOCIATED FREE PERSONS. The house was built in 1853 after the plantation gained fame as a stud farm that produced some of the best racehorses in the South. That’s right, wine! Love this post and your great writing, Carrie! We honor the lives of these individuals who are an integral part of the history of Belle Meade. The Mansion tour was extremely interesting. I do love that the tour ends in a wine tasting though. Belle Plantations." After the Civil War, he stayed on as a valued--and the highest paid--employee. 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