A new Twitter friend of mine, @charmofcaroline, recently wrote about the opening of Thompson’s Station Plantation Manor. The restored tearoom and museum is a perfect representation of Williamson County’s historical roots.
Thompson’s Station is a small town, with a population of less than 2,000 residents, located south of Franklin TN and Brentwood TN. As Brentwood and Franklin become more popular, some Williamson County residents prefer the quiet country lifestyle found in the lovely rolling hills of Thompson’s Staiton.
The Homestead Manor Plantation tearoom and museum opened this past weekend to the enthusiasm of all who adore scrumptious lunches in 200 year old, charming, southern antebellum homes.
Situated on acreage preserved by the conservation easement through the Land Trust of Tennessee, this proud lady stands as a testament commemorating a time long past, a time of war where brother was pitted against brother and when the smoke all cleared, 1800 men lost their lives. Jay Marcia Franks and their daughters Tonya and Bryana have maintained the historical integrity of the area by opening the tearoom and museum as well as preserving the property for a Battlefield Park. They also intend to reconstruct buildings that were originally on the property when the home was built in 1809, including an outdoor kitchen, smokehouse, and slaves’ quarters.
Not as well known as the Battle of Franklin or the Battle of Nashville, the Battle of Thompson’s Station occurred on March 5, 1863, when Confederate troops led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest collided with Union forces. More than 1400 Union soldiers lost their lives and nearly 400 Confederate, most of whom were either brought into the home for treatment and/or were buried on the property.
Another story from the property has survived, one where the ladies of the plantation were huddled together in the cellar for safety during the battle. Through a small window Alice Thompson, only 17 years old, saw the Confederate flag fall to the ground when the flag bearer was shot. She darted out to the yard to save the flag. Alice was the daughter of Dr. Elijah Thompson, for whom the town was named.
Nuzzled among Sugar Maples, Locust, White Pine and Sourwood trees in the heart of Thompson’s Station off Columbia Pike, Homestead Manor Plantation is a place that recalls an era of Southern gentility and graciousness. The Franks’ plan to expand on their home to be an interpretive experience for their guests with special events and seminars, trails through the battlefield and signage recognizing noteworthy information about the battle and its participants.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11-3, this historic home offers a Civil War period setting for lunch, tea and special events unlike anywhere else in Middle Tennessee. For more information call 615-790-2309 or visit www.homesteadmanor.com.
Please visit www.CharmOfTheCarolines.com for more fantastic articles and recipes, Y’all!
To find homes For Sale, or land for sale, in Thompson’s Station, Brentwood, or Franklin, Visit www.HomesByDoyle.com
