Oaklands Mansion

Murfreesboro, Tennessee's Oaklands Mansion was built in 1818 by Dr. James and Sally Murfree Maney. This home is one of the best surviving examples of Italianate architecture in Tennessee. The home was built in a series of phases throughout various decades, with its present appearance having been completed around 1857. Oaklands is perhaps best known for its role during the Civil War. In July 1862 Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest accepted the Union surrender of Murfreesboro in one of the front rooms of Oaklands following his first raid into Murfreesboro. Following the war Maney's son Lewis, who had inherited the house a few years before the war following the death of his father, filed a $27,000 war damage claim for the home and property. The younger Maney was responsible for renovating the home in the Italianate style. When he died, his widow was forced to sell the home to pay off his legal debts. Elizabeth Swope purchased the home and property for $8,000, which was later passed to George Darrow. Darrow was Murfreesboro's first millionaire and was also the godfather of Frank Gumm. Gumm was the father of Frances Gumm, also known as Judy Garland. This family inhabited the home until 1954. From 1954-1957 Oaklands sat vacant. The home became a target for vandals, and eventually was placed on the demolition list by the City of Murfreesboro. In 1959 a group of concerned female citizens approached the City of Murfreesboro about preserving the old home. The city agreed and deeded the property to the new group known as "Oaklands Association" for $1 dollar. Only one stipulation was made as part of the agreement. This stipulation stated that the property must become a museum within three years. The house was restored, and the stipulation was met. In 1974 Oaklands was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today Oaklands still operates as a museum. The preservation of Oaklands is one of the best examples of historic preservation in the State of Tennessee. It shows what can happen when a group of concerned citizens get together and save a vital part of our history. At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own a 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, nominations to the Century Farms program, and writing text for historic makers. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.

Tennessee Historical Commission historic marker at Oaklands. This marker gives visitors information on what occurred around the mansion during the Civil War.




Be sure to come back next week for another Throwback Thursday presented by Moore Historical Consulting.