Middle Tennessee had a large part in the Civil-War era, and out of that came beautiful, and now historic, antebellum homes that range back to the mid-1800s.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

Home of the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, The Hermitage is a beautifully preserved mansion that holds some of the Nations most fascinating stories of the early 19th century. Located only minutes from Downtown Nashville, you can spend the day strolling through the over 1,100 acres of original land owned by Andrew Jackson. There are still preserved, original buildings from Jackson’s time you can tour on the property like The First Hermitage, The Hermitage Garden, Alfred’s Cabin and more. For tickets and to learn about the history, visit www.thehermitage.com.

Belle Meade Plantation

This 150-year-old antebellum mansion located in the heart of Belle Meade, tells a tale as old as time. This home takes you through the deep history of the Old South, to slavery prosperity to the Civil War. The grounds host not only the amazing home, but reconstructed slave quarters, a winery, restaurant, a massive carriage house and a shop. Touring the Plantation includes a tour guide dressed in era-appropriate attire to tell the rich history that goes along with Belle Meade. Started at 5,400 acres, now only 30, you can still get a sense of what life was like back in the early 1800s. A tour includes access to all of the grounds and ends with a complimentary wine tasting. Find out more here.

Carter House

This is a home that took part in the American Civil War and was caught in the midst of the Battle of Franklin in 1864. This home is unique because it was ran as the Federal Command Post while the family sought refuge in the basement during a battle lasting five hours. There are obvious battle wounds still visible today in the house and outbuildings, one even has 1,000 bullet holes still visible today. This home is part of the Battle of Franklin Trust that includes 2 other homes that you can tour today all part of the same battle.

Carnton Plantation

The other home that is part of the Battle of Franklin Trust, the Carnton Plantation was the home of the former Mayor of Nashville, Randal McGavock. This mansion served as the largest field hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers in 1864. The McGavock’s dedicated 2 acres of land on their property to bury the deceased confederate soldiers, and is now the largest privately owned military cemetery in the Nation. Take a tour of this home or all 3 homes (The last is the Lotz House) and visit the military museum and store while you’re there.

Sam Davis House

Located in Smyrna, Tennessee on 160 acres, this was the home of the Confederate courier, Sam Davis. This home was built in the early to mid 1800s, and all of the floors, doors and woodwork are the originals from when the home was built. Sam Davis was known for being the mail courier and was accused of being a spy and when asked right before he was hung if he would reveal who gave him the classified battle plans to save his life, he said “I would rather die a thousand deaths than betray a friend.” It is one of Smyrna’s largest historic attractions and hosts approximately 20,000 visitors per year. Find out more here.

There are so many other beautiful homes, mansions and Civil War plantations in Middle Tennessee, make sure to learn more about them here.