John Harding--who owned, bred and trained Thoroughbreds--started the farm in 1807, and added a mansion in 1853. During the early part of the Battle of Nashville, Belle Meade was the headquarters for Confederate General James Chalmers.
Today, you can still see bullet scars on the mansion's front columns. Visitors can tour the restored mansion and learn about the time period. The plantation also has a winery with daily wine tastings.
Belle Meade Plantation
5025 Harding Pike
Nashville TN, 37205
800-270-3991
bellemeadeplantation.com
The Belmont Mansion was built in 1853 by Joseph Alexander Smith Acklen--a lawyer and hero of the Mexican War--and his wife Adelicia Hayes Franklin Acklen Cheatham, a wealthy widow. In early December 1864, the Union army took over the mansion and strategized for the Battle of Nashville in the building.
Visitors are permitted to enter the mansion's 16 rooms on display during the venue's tour.
Belmont Mansion
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
615-460-6589
belmontmansion.com
In February 1862, the Union Army captured Nashville. In August of that year, the Union Army began the construction of Fort Negley to defend against a Confederate attack. The army was aided by 2,768 black laborers---both slaves and free people. The fort was finished in December 1862, and named after Gen. James Negley, the Union post commander in Nashville.
Today, the tour of the fort educates visitors about the Civil War in Nashville and the roles of the different groups of people in it. The interactive tour allows you to touch items like reproduction artillery rounds.
Fort Negley
534 Chestnut Street
Nashville, TN 37203
615-862-8470
nashville.gov/Parks/historic/fortnegley
