How Far Is The Belle Meade Plantation From Nashville?
What Is The Belle Meade Plantation?
Belle Meade Plantation
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The Belle Meade Plantation History
The plantation was founded in 1807 by John Harding.
Belle Meade Plantation – Equine History
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| Porch |
When his son William Giles Harding took over the estate, he focused on breeding and racing the thoroughbreds however the Civil War interrupted both. After the war, the family picked up where they left off and between 1867-1868 General Harding won more races than any man living in the U.S. at the time.
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| Barn |
In December of the year 1864, a skirmish in the Battle of Nashville was being fought in the front yard of the Belle Meade Plantation.
As you step past the bullet-riddled columns (from the American Civil War) on the front porch and through the front door you are greeted by paintings of the Belle Meade’s most famous horses. Almost all of the Kentucky Derby winners can track their roots back to Belle Meade. Such horses as Secretariat, Sea Biscuit, Barbero, and Iroquois trace their roots back to this plantation.
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| Another view of the dairy |
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Side Saddle |
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The plantation is a wonderful place to visit for the entire family. It is a picture of a bygone era that is quickly fading on our ever-changing American landscape.
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| The Belle Meade Plantation Dairy |
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| Inside The Dairy |
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Slave Cabin on the Plantation
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We had such an incredible experience. Whether you love history, old buildings, or horses this place is a great place to spend an afternoon. Especially if you have an interest in the Civil War era, love racing horses or have a pack of homeschooled little ones who love field trips.
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Harding Family Cabin before building the mansion
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Inside the Harding Cabin
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They have it beautifully furnished in the time period.
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Stone Bench inviting you to sit and stay awhile
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There are beautiful places to stop and enjoy the view. To sit in a shady spot and listen to the birds’ sing.
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Smoke House
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Beautiful Garden
There are beautiful gardens, rock stairs, and lovely greenways for you to explore.   Artifacts found on the grounds of Belle Meade
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The museum has artifacts that have been found on the property for you to enjoy.
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Beautiful black metal Urns decorate the pathway to the family mausoleum.
If you are ever in the Nashville area you have to stop by and see this beautiful home and learn about its history.
Before you go, check out these other amazing places
- Carnton Plantation
- Cheekwood Botanical Garden And Museum Of Art
- Sam Davis Home
- Visiting The Hermitage Home of President Andrew Jackson
- Mansker’s Station A Tennessee Colonial Fort
- Wynnewood – A Tennessee Historical Stage Coach Inn
- Visiting Fort Boonesborough Part 1 Home of Daniel Boone
