James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Hi Folks, its been awhile since I posted...I'm always on the hunt for interesting things to present so sometimes it takes me awhile. I hope you will enjoy this set of images from Oaklands Mansion in Murfreesboro Tennessee. This mansion's history begins in 1815 with Sally Murfree Maney inheriting 274 acers of land where this Mansion was built. It started out as a two room brick house but over the years was expanded and upgraded by generations of owners that followed. During the Civil War, the house was occupied by both Confederate and Union soldiers. A few spats between the South and North occurred in the front yard. The Most notable visitor to Oaklands was an overnight stay by Jefferson Davis (President of the Confederacy) in 1862. Shorty thereafter the Battle of Stones River occurred just a few miles away. A battle which Union forces from Nashville won. The surrender was signed at this house. After the war, the Mansion was sold many times until it's last owners the Jettons in 1957. The Jettons unable to maintain the house left it vacant for many years and it fell into disrepair and was severely vandalized. Eventually it was sold to the City of Murfreesboro and was slated to be torn down to make room for low income housing. Step in a group of women who called themselves the Oaklands Assocation. In 1958 the city agreed to deed the mansion to them if they in turn would preserve the house. In 1963, the Ladies Oakland Association successfully opened the restored mansion as a museum which is visited by thousands today. She is a beautiful restored mansion saved from destruction by a group of women who had the foresight to preserve a piece of history. I hope you enjoy this little piece of American History. For those interested...more detailed information can be found here: http://www.oaklandsmansion.org/history-of-oaklands/

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The bedroom where Jefferson Davis stayed on his visit to Oaklands in 1862

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The table where the articles of surrender of the Battle of Stones River were signed

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a 1960's photo of the Oakland Mansion property in dispair.


A final parting image on our way out...the original 2 story beginning to the mansion can be seen on the right side.behind the porch.

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TomC. Loc: Bel Air, MD

Wonderful shots, James. I just love old buildings. They did a beautiful restoration. The history of it is always a welcomed addition.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

I agree, and to think...this place was slated to be torn down for low income housing. I'm so grateful it was saved.

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Interesting history and you presented it well James.

Camlane Loc: North Carolina

Not only a beautiful house, but beautiful pictures to boot. Too many historic buildings have been lost to the wrecking ball.

TomC. Loc: Bel Air, MD

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Thank you Kindly Karin...I'm so glad I got to tour this place and take picutures. A wonderful way to spend a Thursday afternoon.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Great story and photos. Im vice president of our local historical society we had to fight to save a couple old buildings. Our big issue now is that we are loosing barns Some to builders but most are just falling apart from old age. I photograph all that I see. We keep photos in our archives. When I first moved up here. There were seven barns from Quakertown to the PA turnpike on Rt 663. less than 5 miles. Now there is only one. We sometimes cant preserve history but we can record it. So keep shooting those old buildings.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Very nice thread as always James. Like others I appreciate reading the history of the scenes presented. Your beautifull photos make me want to visit the place.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

I know Hal...it saddens me to see barns collapsing...I do get really sad. Same here in Tennessee, many are beyond repair and are left for the elements to return them to dust. I also take shots of places I see that are in decay. For me, it gives me hope that maybe someday my image will be seen by someone.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Beautiful building and thanks for the history lesson.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Thank you Kindly Sir...I am honored to have a visit from Australia...a country we much admire in the U.S.

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Great history, great shots!

Islandgal Loc: Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Canada

I have enjoyed the photo's and history very much, documenting them in your fine style! Thank you for sharing.