Elm Springs - A Tennessee Antebellum Home

I thought I'd show one of the homes where I was allowed to take pictures inside.  I actually visited this home back in April, when my friend Ceekay came for a visit, but I've had so many other things to blog about I neglected to blog about this beautiful home.

 

Built in 1837, Elm Springs was never a plantation home.  It was built for Sarah Todd as a gift from her two brothers.  People sure knew how to give gifts back in those days!

 

Sarah's daughter inherited the house and lived here with her family during the Civil War.

 

Sarah's son-in-law was an outspoken supporter of the Confederacy and served in the army for the south.

 

The first lady of the house was a tiny tiny woman.  This is her settee.  It looks like it was made for a child.

 

The two parlors are connected by huge pocket doors.

 

Not all the furniture was diminutive.

 

The house was set on fire by Union troops but Confederate troops came to the rescue, putting out the fire and chasing off the northern soldiers.

 

Much of the furniture is original, including this desk pulling double duty in the dining room.  According to family records the desk was definitely located in this room.

 

Next, we headed upstairs to see the bedrooms.  I love this bedroom set.

 

This armoire holds children's clothing dating to the Civil War.

 

This sampler was made by one of the young family members as she practiced her alphabet.

 

The house is now the national headquarters for the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  They are working to fully restore the home.

 

When the Union troops were about to burn the house down, they told the lady of the house she could take her bed.  They had to help her carry it out.  It was very heavy.  Unbeknownst to the soldiers, she had hidden the family silver inside the hollow posts.

 

I might have one more house to show you where I was allowed to take pictures inside too!