Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade traces its history back to 1807, when Virginian John Harding bought land, and a cabin along the Natchez Trace. The land totaled 250 acres. Harding did not use this land for farming. He instead used it for commercial purposes. He operated a blacksmith shop, cotton gin, and a grist and saw mill. By 1816 Harding was boarding horses for area residents such as Andrew Jackson. He also raised racing horses and became a member of the Nashville Jockey Club. He built the Belle Meade house in 1820. The house originally featured federal style architecture. Harding named the house and his land Belle Meade due to its French meaning as "beautiful meadow." In 1839, Harding's son William took over operations of Belle Meade. He expanded the plantation from 250 to 5,000 acres. In 1853 he enlarged the mansion. He also changed the architectural style from Federal to Greek Revival. This was not uncommon in the 19th century, as many homes were converted into the Greek Revival architectural style. The younger Harding felt that the new architectural style reflected the success of the plantation. The fourteen foot high central entrance hall was designed to run east to west, allowing for natural cooling. This same central hall configuration is found on the second and third floors as well. Belle Meade is also unique because it was one of the first homes to be equipped with a basement. Belle Meade functioned normally until 1861 when the Civil War broke out. William Harding was quick to side with the Confederate Army, donating $500,000 to their cause. When Nashville fell to the Union in 1862, Harding was arrested, and sent to Fort Mackinac, Michigan. He was held there for six months. Back at home, Belle Meade was playing a vital role in the Battle of Nashville. Confederate General James Chalmers used the mansion as his headquarters. Union and Confederate armies engaged in a minor skirmish on the front lawn of the plantation. Bullet holes are still visible in the columns on the mansion's main facade. Following the Civil War, Belle Meade once again became a leader in horse training and racing. In 1868, Harding's daughter Selene married former Confederate General William Hicks Jackson. Harding would only let them get married if they agreed to stay on the plantation. The couple agreed, and they helped Harding run Belle Meade. Eventually Harding and Jackson decided to get out of the racing business. They instead decided to focus on breeding. They decided to sell  breeding stock of ponies, Alderney cattle, Cotswold sheep, and Cashmere goats. They also maintained a 600 acre deer park. Belle Meade stayed in the Harding family until William Jackson's death in 1903. Due to adverse financial conditions, the family sold the house and property. Most of the property was purchased and developed into modern residential neighborhoods by the Belle Meade Land Company. In 1938, these new neighborhoods were incorporated into the City of Belle Meade. The Belle Meade mansion saw a slew of different owners. It remained a private residence until 1953, when the State of Tennessee purchased it, and its 30 acres. The state deeded the property to the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, who oversee it today. Besides the mansion, other buildings on the grounds include the original cabin from 1807, carriage house, stable, and reconstructed slave quarters. On December 30, 1969 Belle Meade was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Belle Meade is regarded by many historians as the "Queen of Southern Plantations." For every Belle Meade there are thousands of sites just like it that are in need of preservation. At Moore Historical Consulting, historic preservation is my top priority. I am always looking for potential sites to help preserve, and list on the National Register of Historic Places. Do you know of one? If so contact Moore Historical Consulting today to learn more and get started!!

Interior of the Belle Meade mansion.

Original cabin that John Harding purchased in 1807.

Reconstructed slave quarters.

Belle Meade carriage house.

Belle Meade stable.

Many of the modern homes in the Belle Meade community feature much of the same architectural styles as the historic Belle Meade mansion. 

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday next Thursday, there will NOT be a Throwback Thursday. Moore Historical Consulting would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Whether your need is genealogy, property research, historic litigation, historic preservation, or anything in between, put Moore Historical Consulting to work for you today. I make exploring your past fun and easy!!