Historic Sites Tour
Tennessee is the home of some of America's finest historic sites. The properties maintained by the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities provide a panorama of life and culture from earlier days, from the late 18th century to the early 20th century.
Each site presents a new and rich experience for the visitor. History comes alive through the interpretation of daily life, authentic furnishings, and preserved architectural structures. Step back in time and relive history.
Visit these historic sites restored and maintained by the APTA:
Woodruff-Fontaine House* -
This handsome 1870 Second Empire, three-story mansion has been restored and fully furnished as a house museum with 19th century regional antiques and textiles. A Victorian Gingerbread playhouse is also on the grounds.
Hours: Wed-Sun. Noon-4pm
Location: 680 Adams Ave., Memphis, TN 38105
Phone: 901-526-1469
website: http://www.woodruff-fontaine.com
Harsson-Goyer-Lee House* -
This Victorian home was originally built in 1845 and was added onto in 1871 by Charles Goyer. Goyer, a founder of Union Planters bank, needed more room for his family and desired a "Millionaires' Row" address.
Hours: Call for appointment
Location: 680 Adams Ave., Memphis, TN 38105
Phone: 901-526-1469
Rachel H. K. Burrow Museum* -
A charming collection of local memorabilia and historical items is now housed in this one room building that was built as a bank in 1905. Open April - September.
Hours: 1st Saturday of each month, 10am - 2pm
Location: Corner of Chester and Walker Streets Arlington, TN 38002
Phone: 901-867-2620
Historic Post Office* -
This post office, built in 1900, is now a museum of postal items and memorabilia honoring local citizens who served in the armed forces.
Hours: By appointment
Location: Corner of Chester and Walker Streets Arlington, TN 38002
Phone: 901-867-2620
Blacksmith Shop -
Complete with a brick forge, a bellows from the 1800s and many other carpentry essentials, this shop is one of the few working blacksmith shops in the country. The Blacksmith Shop is open April - September.
Hours: 1st Saturday of each month, 10am - 2pm
Location: Depot Square in
Historic Arlington
Arlington, TN 38002
Phone: 901-867-2620
Holy Innocents Cemetery and Meditation Garden -
Many of Arlington's town founders were laid to rest in this cemetery. The Meditation Garden is a tranquil place filled with many plants and flowers native to the area.
Hours: From dawn til dusk, Daily
Location: Campbell Street, Arlington, TN 38002
Phone: 901-867-36957
The Little Courthouse* -
Hardeman County's first courthouse was built in 1824 and is the oldest courthouse in West Tennessee. It was converted to a residence after additions were made in 1849. It now functions as a museum.
Hours: 10am - 2pm, 2nd & 4th Saturdays.
Location: 215 E. Main St., Bolivar, TN 38008
Phone: (731) 658-6554
The Pillars* -
Sam Houston, President James K. Polk and other prominent figures were entertained here by John Houston Bills who built this impressive home from 1826-29. The Pillars served as a military headquarters during the Civil War.
Hours: By appointment. Ask at The Little Courthouse.
Location: Washington St., Bolivar, TN 38008
Phone: (731) 658-6554
website: http://www.thepillars.org
The Athenaeum Rectory* -
The Rectory is the last remaining building of the famed Columbia Athenaeum, which flourished from 1852-1903 as a female school with a national reputation for quality education. Built in 1835, the Moorish design from the Gothic period marks it as a unique landmark. Closed during January
Hours: 10am to 4pm, Tues-Sat; 1pm-4pm, Sunday
Location: 808 Athenaeum St., Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: 931-381-4822
website: http://www.athenaeumrectory.com
Belle Meade Plantation* -
The international reputation of Belle Meade as a stud farm had its start in 1816, but it wasn't until 1853 that William Giles Harding completed the imposing Greek Revival house known as Belle Meade Mansion. Serving as APTA Headquarters, the Plantation includes a 1790 log cabin, an1832 slave cabin, an 1890 carriage house and stables, and several other outbuildings.
Hours: 9am-5pm, Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun
Location: 5025 Harding Rd., Nashville, TN 37205
Phone: 615-356-0501 or 800-270-3991
website: http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com
Buchanan Log House* -
This two-story log house was built 1800-1810 by James Buchanan, an early settler in Davidson County. It is one of the oldest two-story log structures in Middle Tennessee.
Hours: Open by appointment
Location: 2910 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 615-871-4524
website: http://www.buchananloghouse.com
Ramsey House* -
Ramsey House Plantation includes the 1797 historic home of Francis A. Ramsey, an early Tennessean instrumental in organizing early social, political, religious, and educational institutions in the region. The home sits on 100+ acres of the original farm and includes heirloom gardens, wildlife, a visitor center, and picnic areas.
Hours: 10am-4pm, Tues-Sat; 1pm-4pm, Sun
Location: 2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914
Phone: 865-546-0745
website: http://www.ramseyhouse.org
Glenmore Mansion* -
John Roper Branner built this magnificent Victorian home in 1868-69. It contains 27 rooms, as well as a smaller replica, "Doll Town," which was built on the back of the mansion to serve as winter quarters for the family.
Hours: 1pm-5pm, Sat. and Sun. (Open May - October)
Location: 1280 N. Chucky Pike, Jefferson City, TN 37760
Phone: 865-475-5014
website: http://www.glenmoremansion.org
Crockett Tavern Museum -
This authentic log cabin replica of the John Crockett Tavern is located near its original site. It was the boyhood home of Davy Crockett, famous frontiersman and hero of the Alamo. Many historical artifacts of the era are on display.
Hours: 11am-5pm, Tues.-Sat. (Open May - October)
Location: 2002 Morningside Dr., Morristown, TN 37814
Phone: 423-587-9900
website: http://www.discoveret.org/crockett
All APTA sites may be contacted for tours, special events, and private parties.
*Listed on the National Register for Historic Places
APTA's Other Chapters
The APTA has two other chapters in the State of Tennessee located in Hawkins and Rutherford counties. Currently, these chapters do not have historic sites registered through the APTA.