I was born and raised in Tuscumbia. Your email address will not be published. The first slaves arrived to Belle Meade in 1807, and as decades rolled on, the number of slaves tripled to 136 of by 1860 based on the 1860 census record. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), NPS Investigation & Research Education Resource, World Institute for Scientific Exploration (WISE), http://www.mystery411.com/Landing_bellemonttuscumbia.html. Some visitors say that the building . YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The modern application of this practice is also redolent of any of those ancient heresies that are uncomfortable with the complicated reality that vice and virtue, spiritual and material, co-exist within the human experience. Many of them, even their detractors must admit, are beautiful, both in reference to their natural surroundings and their architecture. However, while living in Belle Mont and planting the surrounding acres, Dr. Mitchell housed 152 slaves in 13 slave cabins on the property. Yet self-righteous assaults on these places and the many ways they are used will not bring restorative justice. A majority of rooms in Belmont Mansion have been meticulously restored. It was built by Joseph and Adelicia Acklen to serve as the center of their 180-acre summer estate in what was then country outside the city, and featured elaborate gardens and a zoo. Records of the property's destruction includes information related to the number of slave dwellings on the property. Located just outside Tuscumbia in Colbert County, the mansion is one of a few Palladian-style houses in the Deep South. Use the "Browse" or "Choose File" button below to select an image to upload along with your comment. However, the pamphlet continues by claiming that, characteristics of Jeffersonian Classicism are exhibited at Belle Mont, including finely executed brickwork with contrasting woodwork and a hilltop setting. Me and a group of Freinds went out there one night and we first get there we get out the car and walking up the hill to the house and I get a snapchat (popular app used by teens) from someone I dont even got added and he said Im behind you then he sent another one and said I know where you are and I sent a snap and said where am I the. The organization behind this growing movement, Color of Change, indicts vendors for using words like breathtaking to describe plantations. 2023 The Federalist, A wholly independent division of FDRLST Media. Belle Mont Mansion has resumed normal operating hours and will be operating at reduced capacity to safeguard against COVID-19. Then you maybe talk to family members and realize everyone feels the same way. Nanyehi was among the first Cherokee to own African-American slaves. General Martin retired to his Belle Mont plantation at Leatherwood, which he purchased in 1796 from Benjamin Harrison V of Berkeley Plantation. During the 1960s, star-crossed lovers camped inside the rotting mansion in the woods, and the home has long been the site of drunken high school parties. Although the actual design of Belle Mont is a mystery, this particular relationship provides a clue about the original designer, or at least his influence.The source of Belle Monts design is shrouded in mystery, but tantalizing clues suggest the direct influence of President Thomas Jefferson, gentlemen architect of the early Republic, the official Belle Mont pamphlet states (Commission 2). An Alabama Historical Commission site, Belle Mont was built 1828-1832 and is one of the state's first great plantation houses. Tell Us About Your Experience(s) at Belle Mont. Gradually, the family gatherings became less frequent until the home was completely abandoned.The abandonment of the home was the largest cause of its deterioration and the vandalism that occurred at Belle Mont. The Belle Mont Mansion in Tuscumbia Alabama was built around 1828 for physician and planter Alexander Williams Mitchell. Owning 1,680 acres of cotton and corn, Dr. Mitchell became known as one of the largest planters in the area before he quickly sold the mansion and the surrounding land one year after its completion. My son says, Yes, hes walking to the house. Having passed the sign and turn to the house, I realized there is no way he could have known of the house based on his not being able to read and having no pre-exposure to the houses existence. Unlock premium content, ad-free browsing, and access to comments for just $4/month. The Belle Mont Mansion was constructed from 1828-1832. Belle Mont Mansion is located outside of Tuscumbia. The abandonment of the home was the largest cause of its deterioration and the vandalism that occurred at Belle Mont. Belmont Mansion, or Belle Monte as it was known in the 19th century, was not a plantation but still relied on a large number of enslaved workers to maintain the estate. In its zealous desire to right previous wrongs, this goes too far in the other direction, and in the process, undermines the historical fabric of our nation. Doors open and close. Today the Belmont Mansion Association, which was formed in 1972, owns the collection, runs the museum, and shares this unique story of 19th century Nashville with visitors from far and near. The site originally served as the centerpiece for the large scale cotton. Its just really weird that we both saw this happen at the exact same time. Today the Belmont Mansion Association, which was formed in 1972, owns the collection, runs the museum, and shares this unique story of 19th century Nashville with visitors from far and near. Administrative use only. Although the original architect and builder remain unknown, the style of Belle Mont appears also to have been influenced by past. An example of this occurred in December, when a number of black medical students posed for a photo at a former slave plantation, a site some of them called holy. Heck, why not celebrate their graduation there? The underlying premise of the anti-plantation movement is that Southern plantations cannot be romanticized. The historic home is the site of the annual Art of the Dish this week. Belle Meade plantation is one of the premier plantations in Tennessee and one of the top attractions in the state. === A monument was errected in 2008 on the old Henry Courthouse square in Martinsville, VA. . Belle Mont Mansion By Ken Weigandin Ashley Ann Lewis, Haunted Locations Belle Mont was erected in 1828 for a physician from Louisa County, Virginia, Dr. Alexander Williams Mitchell. When i was 17 years old, Belle Mont Plantation house was in very bad shape and had not had any restoration done to it yet. Belle Mont Mansion is being restored and partially furnished to reflect the antebellum, or pre-Civil War, time period. Shes told me that prior to the restorations the mansion was a prime site for local teens to be dumb kids trespass, vandalize, etc. . If you've had a paranormal experience here, or have any additional information about this location, please let us know! I have lived here since 1963. He has a bachelors in history and masters in teaching from the University of Virginia and a masters in theology from Christendom College. I remember her sounding really flippant about it and me wondering how being shot at was not a big deal! "Others feared the upcoming slave auctions commonly held in January and February in north Alabama as well as upcoming contracts for slave labor that was 'hired out.'". The site is 1/4 mile west of US 43 South on Cook Lane, three miles south of intersection US 43 and US 72. As there is not formal cemetery for the slaves it is likely that they were buried on some part of the estate. Belle Mont's out-buildings are no longer standing, but several foundations, including that of a slave house, have been located by archeologists. He was not buried on the property as many legends say but in the Winston Family Cemetery in Tuscumbia as was his wife Catherine who died July 25, 1884. Being new to the area, none of us knew of the Belmont Mansion or its location. Belle Mont Mansion Tuscumbia, Alabama 65.4 miles from Tupelo, MS. A former slave plantation, it is believed to be haunted by slaves that lived and died here and also possibly by the ghosts of its former owners. Catholics in the 19th century suffered violent assaults at the hands of anti-papist mobs on the streets of Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. Be lovers of freedom and anxious for the fray, Georgia Senate Passes Bill To Close Sneaky 'Zuckbucks 2.0' Loopholes, 3 Things Anti-America Agitator Angela Davis Can Learn From Her Pilgrim Ancestors, Just Like Real Socialism, Real Feudalism Has Never Been Tried, Amid Personal Loss, Washington And Lincoln Became Fathers Of Their Country. Required fields are marked *. The property is located just south of Tuscumbia and west of US Route 43 at 1569 Cook Lane. Built between 1828 and 1832 in the Jeffersonian style, Belle Mont was originally the home of Dr. Alexander Mitchell, who quickly sold the building to one Isaac Winston in 1833. I contacted the historic society to find out about the planned restoration project that I had heard about, and asked if I could assist as part of my Eagle Scout project in the Boy Scouts. Mr. Winston was a cousin of Dolly Madison, Patrick Henry, and Isaac Cole, who was a personal friend and secretary of President Thomas Jefferson. Only a country with a conscience in our case informed by the Christian beliefs of our ancestors would bother to engage in the kinds of self-criticism and atonement visible in American society. It also reflects the vulnerability of American businesses to the whims of leftist protest movements. Would like to know if anyone does know anything about it and any info in accordance with that reference. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, he was a physician, planter, and an early elected official of Franklin (present-day Colbert) County, where he settled around 1820. The Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville hired a black historian to research the site's enslavement history and to offer tours so visitors can learn about the African Americans who were enslaved on the property. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The National Paranormal Society is not responsible for individuals, teams and submissions listed on the NPS website. Her aunt, who was only a few years older than her, got busted sneaking in/vandalizing the mansion. We went back there, and I finished the project, with help from all was involved. Not sure if it did or not but sure does fit. Affordable Nashville Elopements start here! A Pinterest representative, for example, announced that the website is working on de-indexing Google searches for plantation wedding. In December, a coalition of Alabama activists protested a Plantation Christmas event held at the Belle Mont Mansion near Tuscumbia, Alabama, because it memorialized white supremacist celebrations of Christmas. Your CommentsHave a photograph taken from this location? Visiting here is an opportunity to explore one of the few 1850s era homes still standing in Nashville while learning about the place and the people -- both free and enslaved -- who make this site worth understanding. Beginning in 1889, the basement of Belmont, which served as the main workspace for many enslaved persons, was significantly remodeled with no care given to historic preservation. It remained in the Winston family for over a century, and is currently used as a historic house museum open for tours by appointment. I have experienced some very strange things in my home. So all the people who work at these historic plantations, regardless of their race, sex, or income, must suffer the economic consequences of what feelings their employers history might provoke. Mr. Winston was a cousin of Dolly Madison, Patrick Henry, and Isaac Cole, who was a personal friend and secretary of President Thomas Jefferson. Located just outside Tuscumbia in Colbert County, the mansion is one of a few . Built between 1828 and 1832 in the Jeffersonian style, Belle Mont was originally the home of Dr. Alexander Mitchell, who quickly sold the building to one Isaac Winston in 1833. The house is listed on the National Historic Registry (#19820223). Belle Mont is located south of Tuscumbia in Colbert Couty in northwest Alabama. At first you think this is all in your imagination. Went back into the cellar a coupple more times, but never had that akward feeling again. Slave child's doll inside Belle Mont Mansion. Belle Mont Mansion , built circa 1828, is one of the few examples of Palladian-style houses in Alabama. No profanity. Be happy. The schooner Clotilda smuggled African captives into the U.S. in 1860, more than 50 years after importing slaves was outlawed. The answer will always be a mystery. It has been referred to as the Isaac Winston House and is listed as Belmont in the National Register of Historic Places and as the Henry B. Thornton Plantation House in the Historic American Buildings Survey. You can visit the historic Belle Mont Mansion at 1569 Cook Ln., Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674. Gift Shop (111 S. Main St., Tuscumbia). Now, thats poetic justice. Related Videos Video #1 "It is unacceptable to subject the descendants of enslaved African Americans to whitewashed versions of history that ignore their ancestors experience.". The source of Belle Monts design is shrouded in mystery, but tantalizing clues suggest the direct influence of President Thomas Jefferson, gentlemen architect of the early Republic, the official Belle Mont pamphlet states (Commission 2). However, while living in Belle Mont and planting the surrounding acres, Dr. Mitchell housed 152 slaves in 13 slave cabins on the property. Dr. Mitchell and his family of seven were already living in Belle Mont when it was fully completed in 1832. I dont think only certain places are as haunted, as the belief that there are paranormal things happening all around us everywhere, and just certain people are allowed to witness these things at certain times. Will NOT be displayed. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. What do you think? How many of the great nations of human history have so actively beat their breasts over their sins, both against their own citizens and the peoples of the world? Affordable Nashville Elopements start here! The groups who are critiquing the event in Tuscumbia believe historical sites must be honest and respectful. Dr. Mitchell and his family of seven were already living in Belle Mont when it was fully completed in 1832. The house and surrounding property are reportedly haunted by the former slaves that lived and died on the plantation. Owning 1,680 acres of cotton and corn, Dr. Mitchell became known as one of the largest planters in the area before he quickly sold the mansion and the surrounding land one year after its completion.However, while living in Belle Mont and planting the surrounding acres, Dr. Mitchell housed 152 slaves in 13 slave cabins on the property. For more information, click here. Do not use all capital letters. Voice your opinion here! This is not a good thing. Belle Mont was built for Alexander Williams Mitchell, who grew up in Louisa County, Virginia, only 25 miles from Jefferson's home at Monticello. So I like have some family history about the mansion and my aunt found a man and fell in love with him and they both LOVE history and so they both had there wedding at the Belle mont mansion and I was the flower girl and I havent seen the upstairs of the mansion so Im not sure if it really is haunted I really want to find out more the reason why I started searching this up was bc my great aunt works at my school library and she started talking about it and reading us storys about it. Its two-story north entrance salon is flanked on either side by a formal dining room and parlor. It was built in 1940 on some of the land near General John Coffees home. The source of Belle Monts design is shrouded in mystery, but tantalizing clues suggest the direct influence of President Thomas Jefferson, gentlemen architect of the early Republic, the official Belle Mont pamphlet states (Commission 2). The answer will always be a mystery. Multiple north Alabama organizations are demanding an apology after a Christmas event was held at a Colbert County plantation mansion where enslaved people once labored. At this time, the family decided to move to a different location but continued to hold Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations in the mansion. In 1983, concerned about the condition of the house, members of the Winston family donated Belle Mont and 33 surrounding acres to the Alabama Historical Commission.The house and surrounding property are reportedly haunted by the former slaves that lived and died on the plantation. Earlier this month, prodded by the group Color of Change, four wedding websites said they . Weddings should be a symbol of love and unity. LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality Shoals, Shoals Young Democrats and Rev. Tickets are available at Belle Mont Mansion and at Fiddledee D! This is a list of plantations and/or plantation houses in the U.S. state of Virginia that are National Historic Landmarks, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, other historic registers, or are otherwise significant for their history, association with significant events or people, or their architecture and design. All information on this page was submitted to Alabama Haunted Houses and was believed to be accurate at the time it was posted. However, the pamphlet continues by claiming that, characteristics of Jeffersonian Classicism are exhibited at Belle Mont, including finely executed brickwork with contrasting woodwork and a hilltop setting. Indeed, it is the Christian character of America that has allowed us to recognize and seek to rectify our past errors. The Winston family maintained ownership and continued living in Belle Mont through the Civil War and until around 1940. According to census records, Mitchell enslaved 115 people at the cotton plantation. Intimate and elegant elopement ceremonies are popular at Belmont Mansion! Isaac Winston owned 114 slaves according to the 1860 census and died August 13, 1863 at Bell Mont during the American Civil War. I grew up in Florence and my Great Grandmother lived near the mansion on Colbert Heights mountain. According to the Times Daily, the event, which has been a holiday tradition in the Muscle Shoals area for over 30 years, offered vintage ballroom dancing, food and tour guides dressed in Antebellum garb. Private property should be respected at all times, as should all posted signs concerning trespassing, hours of operation and other local regulations. "While the holidays brought a brief respite from work, many enslaved people took the opportunity to escape the bondage of the plantation," the letter said. This design is derived from the neoclassical architectural style of Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. Not-So-Scary Haunted Houses (Kid Friendly). Contact the museum for current rates, policies, and an application. My wife, son (age 5) and I were heading from Muscle Shoals to our home in Littleville after a night of shopping and eating. Ken is a graphic designer, web developer and co-founder of One True Paranormal, a para-group in southwest Missouri. According to the letter, Christmas was a disturbing time for the enslaved. Over the years, this historic mansion has been restored to its original pre-Civil War appearance. Group of women standing outside Belle Mont Mansion. And in the process, these attacks have unintended economic consequences on working-class Americans. Disclaimer: The stories posted here are user-submitted and are, in the nature of "ghost stories," largely unverifiable. In 1790, John Hipkins purchased the property from the Conway family and in 1791 built Belle Grove for his only child, Fannie. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. That seems far more justified than puritannical policing of plantations. The Alabama Historical Commission owns this historic site. By the following year, in 1890, all the houses occupied by enslaved Blacks on the estate had been destroyed, leaving no physical presence for interpretation. 2008-2023 AlabamaHauntedHouses.com. All rights reserved (About Us). Yes, its true that some historical artifacts across Americas landscape are honored in ways that belittle or demean our fellow countrymen.
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