Description: The Belmont Mansion is a snapshot back into the 19th century south, a magnificent antebellum home that stayed with Adelicia Acklen through three marriages in pre/post Civil War Tennessee.
The home was completed in 1853. Receiving a widow's inheritance which included several Louisiana plantations, She sheltered her riches from subsequent spouses through "marriage agreements" . . . the early day pre-nup.
The 16 room house has many original pieces to the home; as much as 40%. Most other furnishings are original period items, just not from the Belmont Mansion. Some of the more ornate items include the hand-crafted furniture items, beautiful china and marble sculptures that Adelicia collected during her year-long European tour.
Some of the more personal items on display included the men’s travel toiletry kit that included a toothbrush, comb and other personal hygiene items. I also enjoyed the small child’s rocking horse found in the "girls’ bedroom" on the second floor. The elegantly set formal dining room (set for 12!) was beautiful; appropriate for American royalty hosting their Christmas Holiday meal. I would have loved to have seen more of Adelicia’s personal items and clothing in the mansion, but most of those items were sold during estate sales many years ago and have not been reacquired for the collection.
Unfortunately her legacy and lineage was limited due to the premature deaths of many of her children. All four of her kids born from her first marriage died before the age of 12. Of her six kids from her second marriage, only four reached adulthood and only two of them had children of their own. Today we're told there are a handful of direct descendents to Adelicia, some still in Tennessee.
The Belmont Mansion was sold in the early 20th century and became a prestigious girls' boarding school. In the 1950's it became part of what later would become Belmont University, who today owns the mansion while it is preserved and cared for by a non-profit museum group committed to upholding the long and storied history of the house and Adelicia Acklen.
A leisurely 60 minute guided tour throughout the house is offered year-round, except for major holidays. When you arrive, you will ring the doorbell and be invited in. Groups are led throughout the first and second floor by local residents with interest in the preservation of this Nashville treasure.
The grounds of the mansion are very nice, but we missed a lot given the unseasonably cold weather during our late December visit. I did take a few photos, but the ice in the fountain reminded me that it was too cold to be outside.
Tour fees are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $3 for kids ages 12 and under. There is a small gift shop offering books and reproductions of Civil War era items.
For more information including hours and schedule of special events, check them out at www.nowplayingnashville.com/venue/detail/30325 .
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