Stories of the Past - Conversations for the Future. Belle Mont attracts approximately 5,000 visitors each year. Montvale, the farm at Belmont, was destroyed in 1864. A variety of factors have made researching the lives of Belmont's enslaved residents difficult. Belle Mont - Alabama The Belle Mont Mansion in Tuscumbia Alabama was built around 1828 for physician and planter Alexander Williams Mitchell. Ninon Parker puts candles out on the table fully set for dinner at Belle Mont Mansion in Colbert County. Have a haunt/halloween related news story or a tip? However, the staff continues to research as we endeavor to tell the stories of all who lived at Belmont. This area of the property can be accessed from the master bedroom through a large door with a window that leads directly to the courtyard area, which is where the detached kitchen would have been accessed as well. 3. All submissions made to The National Paranormal Society, for the purposes of data analysis, article or editorial publication, team, individual or service listing, or any other submission category not listed become the property of the NPS. Society of slaves: stereotypes fall - Baltimore Sun 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. Emerging Civil War The Mitchell family sold Belle Mont and 33 of the surrounding acres to their friends Isaac and Catherine Baker Jones Winston, who were also from Virginia, in 1833. The Knot, WeddingWire, and Pinterest are seeking to limit content on their websites that promotes Southern plantations as a wedding venue. Located in the heart of Nashville on the Belmont University Campus. 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. The best-known ghost tale from each Alabama county - al.com Ticket options include: General Admission, Guided Tour, Curator Tour & Civil War at Belmont, Discover the largest house built in Tennesse. Click "thumbs up" if you think its haunted, or "thumbs down" if you think its all just a tall tale. n 1832. And have seen shadows and once a figure of a person. Yes, its true that some historical artifacts across Americas landscape are honored in ways that belittle or demean our fellow countrymen. Belle Mont Mansion is located outside of Tuscumbia. Affordable Nashville Elopements start here! Disclaimer: Alabama Haunted Houses does not endorse or support trespassing to visit real haunts. 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. All rights reserved. Constructed between 1849 and 1860, Belmont Mansion was the home of Adelicia and Joseph Acklen. If such locales have tragic histories, this is all the more reason to reimagine them in ways that both recognize and overcome that past. 2023 The Federalist, A wholly independent division of FDRLST Media. Constructed between 1849 and 1860, Belmont Mansion was the home of Adelicia and Joseph Acklen. The house and surrounding property are reportedly haunted by the former slaves that lived and died on the plantation. Indeed, it was brutal and terrifying. The property remained in the family until 1941 and in 1983 the house and 35 acres was donated to the State of Alabama by the Fennel family. The organization behind this growing movement, Color of Change, indicts vendors for using words like breathtaking to describe plantations. What county in Alabama had the most slaves? This mansion is believed to have been influenced by Palladian style architecture for which Thomas Jefferson is known. The site originally served as the centerpiece for the large scale cotton. 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. Intimate and elegant elopement ceremonies are popular at Belmont Mansion! It was then purchased by two women who in 1890 started a college which evolved into Belmont University. This area of the property can be accessed from the master bedroom through a large door with a window that leads directly to the courtyard area, which is where the detached kitchen would have been accessed as well.The Mitchell family sold Belle Mont and 33 of the surrounding acres to their friends Isaac and Catherine Baker Jones Winston, who were also from Virginia, in 1833. Strange are there actually any African Americans who have memories of the antebellum period, given that it ended 160 years ago? 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. As of Thursday morning, Alabama Historical Commission members have not responded to the letter or AL.coms emails and phone calls. Then he didnt snap back and unadded me and my Freinds girlfriend said a woman followed us back to the car and as soon as we pulled out a car came out of no where like we seen no headlights the whole time and we get home And another Freind of mine gets a text and said we know you was here no trespassing and Said I had a picture taker (dont really know what that means) and he had a drink and a bag of chips and he threw it down and they said we found your snack. Owned by the Alabama Historical Commission and operated by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation. The Miracle Worker organ. 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). Tickets are available at Belle Mont Mansion and at Fiddledee D! 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. He has a bachelors in history and masters in teaching from the University of Virginia and a masters in theology from Christendom College. If People Can't Get Married On Plantations, They Can't Marry Anywhere This would have been in the late 60s, early 70s I would guess. 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). Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. I mention this because Gay Mont was his home. Plantations used for bourgeois ceremonies with language that obscures or even glorifies the estates dark past are one example. If you've had a paranormal experience here, or have any additional information about this location, please let us know! 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. 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. Chronological snobbery, as C.S. Slavery Plantation Agriculture Robert J. Vejnar, Kennesaw State University Dogtrot Cabin at Belle Mont Plantation Plantation agriculture was a form of large-scale farming that was most prevalent during the colonial and antebellum periods of American history. Come to Belle Mont to learn more about Palladian architecture and to see first-hand the tantalizing clues suggesting the direct influence of Thomas Jefferson himself. Belle Mont Mansion is a historic house museum open for guided tours. "It is unacceptable to subject the descendants of enslaved African Americans to whitewashed versions of history that ignore their ancestors experience.". This was just word of mouth and may not have been accurate, but Im glad to hear it can be toured. View all AHC Owned Historic Houses & Museums. Not sure if it did or not but sure does fit. The Massive, Overlooked Role of Female Slave Owners We might also remember that many of the most celebrated and visited historical sites in our country are Southern manors built and worked by slaves: Mount Vernon (itself a wedding venue), Monticello (another wedding venue), and Montpelier (also a wedding venue) among them. He is the author of The Persecuted: True Stories of Courageous Christians Living Their Faith in Muslim Lands. At Belmont, several extended families lived in slavery over the course of several generations. Happy haunting! List of plantations in Virginia - Wikipedia Its important the reality of what happened in these spaces is present, versus a romanticization of human rights abuses.. Id suggest a far better solution for prospective newlyweds, regardless of race or ethnicity, would be to get married where they should: in a church. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. General Martin retired to his Belle Mont plantation at Leatherwood, which he purchased in 1796 from Benjamin Harrison V of Berkeley Plantation. Be happy. Doors open and close. Plantations represent none of those things, declared a Pinterest spokesman, calling the glamorization of these estates a disrespectful practice. Pinterest visitors who search for plantation weddings or similar terms will now be warned that some results may violate the sites policies, de facto making plantations the equivalent of pornography. 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. Join now to unlock comments, browse ad-free, and access exclusive content from your favorite FDRLST writers. Slavery at Belmont - old page | belmontmansion The Winston family maintained ownership and continued living in Belle Mont through the Civil War and until around 1940. Belle Mont isnt included in either of Kathryn Tucker Windhams books about Alabama ghosts. Is it possible that Dr. Mitchell built Belle Mont in this style, two years after Jeffersons death, to honor the late president? 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. 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. A tour of this Nashville plantation tells the story . I dont know any ghost stories but my mother tells a few funny stories. Weddings should be a symbol of love and unity. Discover the largest house built in Tennessee prior to the Civil War. Dr. Mitchell and his family of seven were already living in Belle Mont when it was fully completed in 1832. Constructed in the 1820s, Belle Mont fell into ruin until the Alabama Historical Commission rescued it in the 1980s. The architecture of Belmont Mansion makes it one of the most significant homes of 19th century Tennessee. 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. At first you think this is all in your imagination. Do not use all capital letters. 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. The designer is unknown but seems to have been influenced by Thomas Jefferson's ideas and style. After finding lesson plans asking Alabama fourth-graders to write their own slave narratives, experts talk about the hardships of teaching slavery on an elementary school level. Belle Meade plantation takes a deeper look into the lives of its slaves The historic home is the site of the annual Art of the Dish this week. BG Joseph Lynch Martin Jr. (1740-1808) - Find a Grave Memorial 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. As there is not formal cemetery for the slaves it is likely that they were buried on some part of the estate. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. Belle Mont also illustrates Jeffersons reverence for the neoclassical architectural elements and ideas of the Italian Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio,. Belle Mont's out-buildings are no longer standing, but several foundations, including that of a slave house, have been located by archeologists. 1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674 View Map CONTACT Site Director: Ninon Parker Museum: 256- 381-5052 Email: [email protected] 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). 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. Belle Mont was built for Alexander Williams Mitchell, who grew up in Louisa County, Virginia, only 25 miles from Jefferson's home at Monticello. You can visit the historic Belle Mont Mansion at 1569 Cook Ln., Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674. I asked, Do you see him now? in a jested way as I awkwardly half-smile to my wife. Belle Mont is located south of Tuscumbia in Colbert Couty in northwest Alabama. Dr. Mitchell and his family of seven were already living in Belle Mont when it was fully completed in 1832. My Dad bought it at that time. This 1860 census, also called a Slave Schedule, provides a limited picture of all who were living at Belmont and where they lived. Plantation Home Tours in Alabama | Getaway USA - The Arizona Republic 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Stay safe. According to census records, Mitchell enslaved 115 people at the cotton plantation. But she never mentioned any slave ghosts. How Did Slaves Get To Alabama? - CLJ It was one of those drizzly unpleasant days, so after a while I went into the Cellar area of the plantation. Being new to the area, none of us knew of the Belmont Mansion or its location. The National Paranormal Society is not responsible for individuals, teams and submissions listed on the NPS website. William F. Buckleys popularization of Eric Voegelins warning is apt: Dont immanentize the eschaton!. No haunted tours for me. Just one if many weird, cant explain it things that have happened here. Is it possible that Dr. Mitchell built Belle Mont in this style, two years after Jeffersons death, to honor the late president? The schooner Clotilda smuggled African captives into the U.S. in 1860, more than 50 years after importing slaves was outlawed. Many "ghost hunters" have been arrested because they failed to contact property owners and/or local authorities ahead of time. Plantation Christmas event near Tuscumbia 'racist', groups say Constructed between 1849 and 1860, Belmont Mansion was the home of Adelicia and Joseph Acklen. 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. Belle Mont | Tuscumbia Alabama | Real Haunted Place Heading south about to pass by the Belmont sign, and not having said a word in at least 15 Min, my son asks a question pointing precisely in the direction of the house, not visible in the daytime, let alone at pitch black night, Daddy, who is that man? to which I reply, What man? Let us know! Would like to know if anyone does know anything about it and any info in accordance with that reference. Will we need Google to warn us that searching for such places or even worse, planning a vacation to visit them are microaggressive acts, as if we are unable to contemplate both the good and bad of such places? Advertised as an event where people can experience the "hospitality of the Old South", "A Plantation Christmas" was held at the Belle Mont Mansion on Sunday evening. The antebellum plantation experience, as lived by the enslaved, was neither happy nor joyous. Welcome to mystery411 Haunted Belle Mont Tuscumbia page. It's currently operated as a museum, and tours are available. One was a bluish light, the other one looked golden. Marble bust of Helen Keller. The celebration of a Plantation Christmas is racist, the letter reads. Voice your opinion here! It has a staff of three: a site director, curator, and tour guide. Sign up for our newsletter and receive Halloween event updates, discounts and more! Belle mont mansion slaves - yjgp.hendrik-aus-e.de "The celebration of a 'Plantation Christmas' represents a willful ignorance of the experience of enslaved people and a concocted memory of a joyous, white supremacist Christmas celebration," the letter said. I got chills then tried to write it off. Ticket options include: General Admission, Guided Tour, Curator Tour & Civil War at Belmont. It's estimated that 40 percent of slave owners may have been white women. Your email address will not be published. 2019 was the year it finally became socially unacceptable to use a historic plantation as a wedding venue. The site is 1/4 mile west of US 43 South on Cook Lane, three miles south of intersection US 43 and US 72. Please report any inaccuracies. The underlying premise of the anti-plantation movement is that Southern plantations cannot be romanticized. Contextualizing former slave plantations has been a concern across the nation. An Alabama Historical Commission site, Belle Mont was built 1828-1832 and is one of the state's first great plantation houses. Indeed, it is the Christian character of America that has allowed us to recognize and seek to rectify our past errors. Belle Meade plantation is one of the premier plantations in Tennessee and one of the top attractions in the state. In 1790, John Hipkins purchased the property from the Conway family and in 1791 built Belle Grove for his only child, Fannie. Indeed, I wonder how many black Americans even have a deceased grandparent who could have had a memory of antebellum America. Belmont Mansion (Tennessee) - Wikipedia 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. 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. Tickets may also be purchased by credit card by calling the museum at 256-381-5052 or online . Its also not as if Dixie estates were the only sites where acts of brutality were committed by one group of Americans against another. Belle mont mansion slaves - nxggc.soterik.de Things seem to be at their worst after midnight, until early dawn. Now, thats poetic justice. And in the process, these attacks have unintended economic consequences on working-class Americans. Ken is a graphic designer, web developer and co-founder of One True Paranormal, a para-group in southwest Missouri. Open Letter Plantation Christmas by Jonece on Scribd. She was caught due to a news story that came out in the local paper about the travesties of vandalism happening to the historic landmark by local youth. The 7 Best Plantation Day Trips And Tours In Alabama - OnlyInYourState All rights reserved (About Us). 379 Tuscumbia Alabama Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images Belle Mont Mansion - Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Belle Mont Mansion | Tuscumbia AL 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. One account is from young William Acklin, a enslaved worker, and the other from a visitor to the estate. Located just outside Tuscumbia in Colbert County, the mansion is one of a few . Admission: Adults $6; students, seniors, military $5; and children 6-18 $3. Located in the middle of the Belmont University campusbehind Freeman Hall. 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. Belle Mont Mansion, known for its architecture, was built in 1828 for Alexander Williams Mitchell. It was the centerpiece of a 1,760 acre cotton plantation and had one of the largest slave populations in the state. 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. 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. Their appetites will not be satisfied until all things and persons associated with injustice, real or imagined, are expunged from public experience and memory. Belle Mont is available for special events. Three years later, during the middle of the. Wesley Thompson of Bethel Colbert Missionary Baptists Church also signed the letter. The Alabama Historical Commission owns this historic site. Just outside the city of Tuscumbia, the 700+ acre Cane Creek Canyon Nature . Sold by the Acklen family in 1887, the house went to a developer who began one of Nashvilles early suburbs. 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.