Since we are learning about the Civil War, visiting battlefields, understanding the politics of that time, and the culture in America in the 1860's, we HAD to visit a plantation!
Now, Belle Meade was a different kind of plantation. It did not make its money from farming, although its owners, Harding and Jackson had plenty of land. It made its money from horses. Race Horses!
This home was actually protected from the union, and the horses were also protected from getting 'enlisted' to help the cavalry.
Aren't they so cute? :)
We were guided through the beautiful mansion, but unfortunately, I couldn't take pictures inside.
They also had a winery and free taste-testing for those who were interested.
Believe it or not, this is not the mansion, but part of the STABLES! Did I mention that the horses made them money?!
In fact, Seabiscuit and Secretariat are the descendants of Enquirer! Too cool, huh?
They loved this horse so much, that when it died, they made an ink well out of his hooves! Yeah, that is one of those, icky parts of the tour......
Can you imagine making a door stop out of little Rover's paws?! Eewww!!
Just saying.....
The stables were also beautiful, as well as the carriage house.
Beloved Enquirer's plot on the family's estate.
Even after the war had ended, they still had slaves that decided to stay and work at Belle Meade. It was such a stark contrast to see this type of home, only yards away from such a lavish mansion.
Sadly, prohibition succeeded, and horse racing was soon illegal in the state of Tennessee. Belle Meade fell to the hands of the state, and eventually was sold off into what is now, the city of Belle Meade, with subdivisions, stores, roads, traffic and other busyness of modern life.
Blessings,
Steph
No comments:
Post a Comment