Historic Homes: The Hermitage and Belmont Mansion

In honor of some very special birthdays this week, two of the finest historic homes in Middle Tennessee (The Hermitage and Belmont Mansion) are offering discounted rates, refreshments, and fun activities for all ages.  Consider this a great opportunity to learn a little history and soak up some of the local culture!

The Hermitage

The Hermitage is celebrating the 245th birthday of Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States, on Thursday, March 15.  Not only is admission 1/2 price all day, but there will also be wagon rides, birthday cake, educational activities for the kiddos, and even an appearance by Andrew Jackson VI (the great-great-great grandson of President Andrew Jackson).

Jackson, who was born in South Carolina, purchased this farm in 1804.  He named it "The Hermitage" and lived with his wife Rachel in the original farmhouse until they moved into the newly constructed mansion in 1812.  What began as a small cotton farm for The Jacksons quickly became a prosperous 1,000 acre plantation, part of which was used for raising racehorses (Jackson's true passion).  Jackson called The Hermitage "home" for the remainder of his life and was buried here in 1845.

Belmont Mansion

Present-day Belmont Mansion

The Belmont Mansion is celebrating the 195th birthday of Adelicia Acklen on Saturday, March 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  There will be games, crafts, music, refreshments, and self-guided tours of the mansion.  And best yet, it is all free!





Construction on Joseph and Adelicia Acklen's mansion (originally named Belle Monte) was completed in 1853. Also on the grounds were greenhouses, a water tower, bowling alley, zoo, art gallery and deer park.  Adelicia sold the mansion in 1887.  Since then, it has been a girl's school, seminary, and junior college for women, and in 1952 it became the present-day Belmont University.  It is the largest house museum in TN and one of the few nineteenth century homes whose history revolves around the life of a woman.