It has a staff of three: a site director, curator, and tour guide. Magnificently sited on a commanding hilltop, Belle Mont is one of early Alabama's crowning architectural achievements.. 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. She said that at times, she, and others, would smell a floral scent like a womans perfume and get a cold feeling for no reason as if in the presence of a ghost. The house and surrounding property are reportedly haunted by the former slaves that lived and died on the plantation. I was amazed at the huge floor joist under the house, then I had that feeling someone had walked up behind me, I thought it was Ronnie, at that time I noticed some graffiti that had been put there, and asked Ronnie what he thought about, but when I turned around, Iwas there by myself. Lewis called our tendency to view our own age as superior to others, is a dark chasm ending in our own destruction. n 1832. At Belmont, several extended families lived in slavery over the course of several generations. 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. I got chills then tried to write it off. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Founded in 2008, AlabamaHauntedHouses.com is a simple and unique online haunted event & attraction resource created to make it easy for locals to find Haunted House, Spook Walk, Corn Maze, and other Halloween Attractions in their local area. It's currently operated as a museum, and tours are available. Then they could celebrate their wedding reception at a Southern manor and have a hell of a good time. Belle Mont also illustrates Jeffersons reverence for the neoclassical architectural elements and ideas of the Italian Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio,The Winston family maintained ownership and continued living in Belle Mont through the Civil War and until around 1940. Let us know! Disclaimer: Alabama Haunted Houses does not endorse or support trespassing to visit real haunts. My wife and I went to the mansion and learned of its peculiarities from the informative guide person. Do not use all capital letters. At this time, the family decided to move to a different location but continued to hold Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations in the mansion. "It is unacceptable to subject the descendants of enslaved African Americans to whitewashed versions of history that ignore their ancestors experience.". Things seem to be at their worst after midnight, until early dawn. I was born and raised in Tuscumbia. Ticket options include: General Admission, Guided Tour, Curator Tour & Civil War at Belmont, Discover the largest house built in Tennesse. Yet self-righteous assaults on these places and the many ways they are used will not bring restorative justice. It was then purchased by two women who in 1890 started a college which evolved into Belmont University. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Sold by the Acklen family in 1887, the house went to a developer who began one of Nashvilles early suburbs. To avoid this, be sure to get in touch with the property owners before visiting a haunt, and respect their hours of operation, local regulations, and rules for visiting at all times. 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. One night while we were both watching TV in the den with the lights off, we both saw two colored orbs gliding through the room from the back door toward the closet, then they disappeared. 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. My great great great great grandfather used to live at the belle mont mansion ! "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.'". Share Your Experience or Comments - Belle Mont. 3. All rights reserved. Being new to the area, none of us knew of the Belmont Mansion or its location. It remained in the Winston family for over a century, and is currently used as a historic house museum open for tours by appointment. The architecture of Belmont Mansion makes it one of the most significant homes of 19th century Tennessee. According to census records, Mitchell enslaved 115 people at the cotton plantation. Voice your opinion here! Your email address will not be published. This celebration clearly ignores the perspective of those who experienced Belle Mont as a forced labor camp., Slavery hard to teach in Cotton State of Alabama, elementary educators say. Belle Mont Mansion has been listed under several names through its history. Ticket options include: General Admission, Guided Tour, Curator Tour & Civil War at Belmont. All of these places, despite their histories, are objectively beautiful. While slavery is often associated with large plantations, the institution permeated Southern culture. 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. Belle Mont also illustrates Jeffersons reverence for the neoclassical architectural elements and ideas of the Italian Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio," (Commission 2). Visitors to this page: 3,182 Belle Mont Mansion is located outside of Tuscumbia. Indeed, it was brutal and terrifying. ?????? This would have been in the late 60s, early 70s I would guess. Indeed, I wonder how many black Americans even have a deceased grandparent who could have had a memory of antebellum America. Slave child's doll inside Belle Mont Mansion. Stay safe. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The other residents seem to tolerate it OK, but I hate it. The antebellum plantation experience, as lived by the enslaved, was neither happy nor joyous. The Miracle Worker organ. This style stems from the neoclassical architectural design of Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. The site originally served as the centerpiece for the large scale cotton. Before you visit ANY local real haunt, make sure to acquire the appropriate permits and/or permissions, and be respectful of privately owned properties. Nor do the sins of our forefathers nullify their many acts of virtue or the great political and cultural gifts they bestowed upon future generations. Violence against blacks and other disenfranchised groups have occurred across our nation's landscape, many in popular and well-trod locales, North and South, East and West. A variety of factors have made researching the lives of Belmont's enslaved residents difficult. Weddings should be a symbol of love and unity. The house is listed on the National Historic Registry (#19820223). Her aunt, who was only a few years older than her, got busted sneaking in/vandalizing the mansion. Moreover, the entire. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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). Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). 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. Because of the tragedies that transpired therin, they powerfully communicate how far America has come. You can imagine me trying to picture my great aunt doing this, haha! Contextualizing former slave plantations has been a concern across the nation. Mr. Winston was a cousin of Dolly Madison, Patrick Henry, and Isaac Cole, who was a personal friend and secretary of President Thomas Jefferson. As there is not formal cemetery for the slaves it is likely that they were buried on some part of the estate. 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. The schooner Clotilda smuggled African captives into the U.S. in 1860, more than 50 years after importing slaves was outlawed. Located just outside Tuscumbia in Colbert County, the mansion is one of a few Palladian-style houses in the Deep South. 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). Your email address will not be published. Yes, its true that some historical artifacts across Americas landscape are honored in ways that belittle or demean our fellow countrymen. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Belle Mont is located south of Tuscumbia in Colbert Couty in northwest Alabama. Went back into the cellar a coupple more times, but never had that akward feeling again. I came out of the cellar and saw Ronnie sitting in my truck, so I asked if he had came into the cellar, he told me no. 68 were here. Please report any inaccuracies. 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. Well, all in all, me and my fellow troop members and family members spent about six weeks there, clearing underbrush, old trash, planting grass, removing small trees, etc. Violence against blacks and other disenfranchised groups have occurred across our nations landscape, many in popular and well-trod locales, North and South, East and West. In a letter sent to multiple Alabama Historical Commission officials Tuesday night, the coalition demanded an apology as well as a promise to no longer hold events supporting tours and events that "deny the brutality of the past." Doors open and close. Even though it is now just 24 acres, many of the important elements remain. Belle Mont Mansion has resumed normal operating hours and will be operating at reduced capacity to safeguard against COVID-19. 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. Belle Mont Mansion, known for its architecture, was built in 1828 for Alexander Williams Mitchell. Is it not appropriate to celebrate momentous occasions in beautiful places? Montvale, the farm at Belmont, was destroyed in 1864. As of Thursday morning, Alabama Historical Commission members have not responded to the letter or AL.coms emails and phone calls. Will NOT be displayed. 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. Catholics in the 19th century suffered violent assaults at the hands of anti-papist mobs on the streets of Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. Couple looking at a car in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. 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 voices in the night are the hardest to explain away. Belmont Mansion, also known as Acklen Hall, and originally known as Belle Monte, Belle Mont or Belmont, is a historic mansion located in Nashville, Tennessee. Top ways to experience Belle Mont Mansion and nearby attractions Florence, Muscle Shoals Multi-Attraction Pass 2 Attractions & Museums from $25.00 per adult Muscle Shoals Sound Studio Tour in Sheffield Alabama 72 Recommended Walking Tours from $20.00 per adult The Raptor, High Rope Course and Zipline Tickets, Wheeler Lake KOA 1 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. Admission: Adults $6; students, seniors, military $5; and children 6-18 $3. 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. I grew up in Florence and my Great Grandmother lived near the mansion on Colbert Heights mountain. Off Campus Book Store University of North Alabama, Norton Auditorium University of North Alabama. Related Videos Video #1 All information on this page was submitted to Alabama Haunted Houses and was believed to be accurate at the time it was posted. 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. Group of women standing outside Belle Mont Mansion. The underlying premise of the anti-plantation movement is that Southern plantations cannot be romanticized. The article included a large photo of an interior shot of the mansion with my great aunts name first and last blazoned across the room in graffiti! 2019 was the year it finally became socially unacceptable to use a historic plantation as a wedding venue. Visitors to the mansion have reported seeing dark shadowy figures walking the fields and have heard the sound of chains rattling near the house.http://bellemont.weebly.com/history.htmlhttp://www.mystery411.com/Landing_bellemonttuscumbia.html. The house is listed on the National Historic Registry (#19820223). Shes told me that prior to the restorations the mansion was a prime site for local teens to be dumb kids trespass, vandalize, etc. One was a bluish light, the other one looked golden. Belle Mont Mansion | Tuscumbia AL We have located just two first-hand accounts of slavery at Belmont. Discover the largest house built in Tennessee prior to the Civil War. The letter was signed by social justice groups Project Say Something, Standing in Power, of Decatur, and Beyond the Women's March. Three years later, during the middle of the. 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. Surely, we do not want to pretend these places dont have a violent, racist past. Belle Mont is available for special events. No profanity. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander, and one would have to be a clinical narcissist to think future generations wont find us at fault for any number of things. According to the letter, Christmas was a disturbing time for the enslaved. Chronological snobbery, as C.S. William F. Buckleys popularization of Eric Voegelins warning is apt: Dont immanentize the eschaton!. In. Belle Mont was erected in 1828 for a physician from Louisa County, Virginia, Dr. Alexander Williams Mitchell. 2023 The Federalist, A wholly independent division of FDRLST Media. She said he would come out shooting if he caught trespassers. Be specific. Is it possible that Dr. Mitchell built Belle Mont in this style, two years after Jeffersons death, to honor the late president? The National Paranormal Society is not responsible for individuals, teams and submissions listed on the NPS website. Earlier this month, prodded by the group Color of Change, four wedding websites said they . He has a bachelors in history and masters in teaching from the University of Virginia and a masters in theology from Christendom College. Belle Meade plantation is one of the premier plantations in Tennessee and one of the top attractions in the state. He says, the man that lives in that house. still pointing. Not sure if it did or not but sure does fit. 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. For more information, click here. 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 daughter and I have both heard clear voices that sound kind of far away, but you can understand them. Tickets may also be purchased by credit card by calling the museum at 256-381-5052 or online . These families included the Baker and Snowden families, among others. Visit BelmontMansionEvents.com to review options to Elope in Nashville at Belmont Mansion. Owned by the Alabama Historical Commission and operated by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation. I asked, Do you see him now? in a jested way as I awkwardly half-smile to my wife. Home > Historical Buildings > Belle Mont Mansion 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. Belle Mont, built between 1828 and 1832, was a plantation that used slave labor. Some visitors say that the building is haunted, having seen ghosts of former owners or of the slaves that lived and died on the plantation. 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. 10 years later, I relayed the story for the first time to him the day my wife and I decided to visit the place and asked him if he would like to go see the man he saw that night. he respectfully declined. What do you think? Over the years, this historic mansion has been restored to its original pre-Civil War appearance. Visitors to the mansion have reported seeing dark shadowy figures walking the fields and have heard the sound of chains rattling near the house. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The use of the NPS name for any unauthorized events or activities is strictly prohibited. The site is 1/4 mile west of US 43 South on Cook Lane, three miles south of intersection US 43 and US 72. Dr. Mitchell and his family of seven were already living in Belle Mont when it was fully completed in 1832.
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