Montpier

Williamson County, Tennessee's Montpier was constructed in 1821 by Nicholas Perkins. Perkins had migrated from Virginia to Tennessee in the early 19th century. He followed his in laws, who were also his cousins, to Williamson County. His in laws had already established a plantation known as Meeting of the Waters nearby, and Perkins and his new bride settled on approximately 12,000 acres of land a few miles away along the Natchez Trace. Perkins gave his slaves the task of constructing he and his wife's new home. The home was constructed in the Federal style, matching Meeting of the Waters. The brick and wood used in the home's construction were fired and cut on site. Following Perkins' death in 1848, his descendants added a full height entry porch featuring a portico. It is no surprise to historians that Montpier is extremely elaborate. Nicholas Perkins was known for his love of fancy and elaborate items. He was given the nickname "Bigbee" for that reason.* In addition to running Montpier, Perkins worked as an attorney, served as Territorial Register of Lands, and was also involved in local, state, and Federal politics. Perhaps his most notable achievement was assisting in the location and arrest of Aaron Burr for treason and the murder of Alexander Hamilton. It is interesting to note that the last ten years of Nicholas Perkins' life were spent at Meeting of the Waters. Following the death of his in laws, Thomas and Mary Perkins, Bigbee and his wife moved from Montpier to Meeting of the Waters. It is unknown who took up residence at Montpier, but it was most likely one of Bigbee's children. Following the death of Bigbee and his wife, Montpier was left to their daughter Mary Elizabeth and her husband. Both Bigbee and his wife are buried in the Perkins family cemetery located near Meeting of the Waters. According to the National Register of Historic Places Nomination, Montpier was sold out of the Perkins family in the early 20th century. From then until the present, Montpier has seen numerous owners. In 1982 Montpier was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The home still serves as a beautiful part of the Williamson County country side and also is an important part of the scenery along Old Natchez Trace. Montpier is yet another fine example of successful historic preservation. At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own an historic home, commercial building, or farm? If so contact me today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies I offer. These include nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, nominations for a Permanent Conservation Easement, and nominations to the Century Farms program. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.

Williamson County Historical Society historic marker at Montpier.

Be sure to come back next week for another Throwback Thursday courtesy of Moore Historical Consulting.

* Historians are torn over why Nicholas Perkins was given the nickname "Bigbee." Some believe it was given to him for his love of elaborate items, but some believe that the name is derived from the Tombigbee River where Aaron Burr was captured.