photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
taboo5 | profile | all galleries >> United States >> Mansions, Estates, Gardens, Churches, Zoos and Museums in the U.S. >> Nashville, Tennessee (November 2009) >> Belmont Mansion in Nashville, TN (November 2009) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Belmont Mansion in Nashville, TN (November 2009)

To know Belmont Mansion in Nashville is to know Adelicia Hayes Franklin Acklen Cheatham (1817-1887), who built it with her second husband, Joseph Acklen, between 1849 to 1853. Adelicia’s life was like something out of “Gone with the Wind.” She was one of the wealthiest women in the antebellum south, was married 3 times and had 10 children, of which only 4 outlived her. Her first husband was Isaac Franklin, a wealthy businessman and plantation owner, who was 28 years her senior. They had 4 children, all of whom died before the age of 7. He died of a stomach virus while tending to his plantations in Louisiana. Adelicia inherited a huge estate including cotton plantations with slaves in Louisiana, a farm in Tennessee, undeveloped land in Texas and stocks and bonds. In 1849, she married her second husband, Joseph Acklen, who was close to her age. They built Belmont Mansion together. Joseph was an excellent property manager who tripled Adelicia’s wealth. Joseph died in 1863, while managing Adelicia’s Angola plantation in Louisiana. Since it was during the Civil War, Adelicia hired a gunboat to go down the Mississippi River to try to sell 2,800 bales of Acklen cotton from the plantation, which had been confiscated by the Confederacy and later by the Union Army. She successfully negotiated with both, eventually charming them into giving her wagons to transport it to New Orleans. Since the price of cotton had plummeted there, she managed to get her cotton on a ship to Liverpool where she sold it in gold to the Rothschilds (for almost a million dollars). After the war, she sailed to England to claim her money and also took a “Grand Tour” of Europe in high style with the money she made. She was presented to the court of Napoleon III. Shortly after her return to Belmont in 1866, Adelicia married Dr. William Cheatham in 1867, a Nashville physician. The wedding reception took place at Belmont, with a guest list of 2,000. Napoleon III was invited, but could not attend, so he sent Adelicia a diamond tiara as a gift, instead, which she wore to the reception. Since most of the reception-goers were ravaged by the war, there must have been a lot of jealousy of Adelicia’s wealth and of the diamond tiara! Also, her marriage to Dr. Cheatham must have raised some eyebrows since he was a younger man! The marriage did not work out so well, and eventually they separated. At the end of her life, Adelicia began spending time in Washington, D.C., with her only surviving daughter, Pauline. She sold Belmont Mansion in 1887 to move there. Later that year, she contracted pneumonia while on a shopping trip to New York City, and died in a Fifth Avenue hotel. One might say that she “shopped until she dropped!” It was the culmination of a very colorful life. She was buried in a mausoleum in Nashville. Today, Belmont Mansion is preserved and is on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the campus of Belmont College.
Belmont Mansion Nashville, TN cover page.
Belmont Mansion Nashville, TN cover page.		 Map of Tennessee with the star indicating Nashville.
Map of Tennessee with the star indicating Nashville.		 Sign outside of Belmont Mansion, which was built by Adelicia Acklen and her second husband Joseph.
Sign outside of Belmont Mansion, which was built by Adelicia Acklen and her second husband Joseph.		 View of the Italianate façade and of a gazebo in front of Belmont. It was built as a summer home.
View of the Italianate façade and of a gazebo in front of Belmont. It was built as a summer home.
Statuary outside the antebellum mansion. Adelicia Acklen acquired many statues on her grand tour of Europe between 1865-1866.
Statuary outside the antebellum mansion. Adelicia Acklen acquired many statues on her grand tour of Europe between 1865-1866.		 Frontal view of Belmont Mansion. Adelicia and her second husband Joseph Acklen had it built from 1849-1853.
Frontal view of Belmont Mansion. Adelicia and her second husband Joseph Acklen had it built from 1849-1853.		 The Acklens built, furnished, and landscaped one of the most elaborate homes in the South, with 36 rooms and 19,000 acres.
The Acklens built, furnished, and landscaped one of the most elaborate homes in the South, with 36 rooms and 19,000 acres.		 Sculpture by Randolph Rogers by in the Front Hallway. He also designed the Capital doors in Washington, D.C.
Sculpture by Randolph Rogers by in the Front Hallway. He also designed the Capital doors in Washington, D.C.
Another sculpture in the front hallway acquired by Adelicia in Europe is of the goddess, Adalanta.
Another sculpture in the front hallway acquired by Adelicia in Europe is of the goddess, Adalanta.		 Sculpture entitled the Sleeping Children, a memorial to Laura and Corinne, Adelicia's 2 daughters, who died of scarlett fever.
Sculpture entitled the "Sleeping Children," a memorial to Laura and Corinne, Adelicia's 2 daughters, who died of scarlett fever.		 Both Laura and Corinne died at age two. Only 4 of Adelicia's 10 children outlived her.
Both Laura and Corinne died at age two. Only 4 of Adelicia's 10 children outlived her.		 Mirror and marble sculpture in the Front Hallway. Most of the mirrors in the house are original.
Mirror and marble sculpture in the Front Hallway. Most of the mirrors in the house are original.
Gaselier chandelier. The wallpaper and ceiling colors are reproductions of what Adelicia had when she built Belmont Mansion.
Gaselier chandelier. The wallpaper and ceiling colors are reproductions of what Adelicia had when she built Belmont Mansion.		 All but one of the fireplace mantels on the first floor are original to the house.
All but one of the fireplace mantels on the first floor are original to the house.		 Beautiful clock and crystal candle holders on the mantelpiece. Stained glass of the front windows is reflecting in the mirror.
Beautiful clock and crystal candle holders on the mantelpiece. Stained glass of the front windows is reflecting in the mirror.		 Portrait of Joseph Acklen, Adelicia's 2nd husband. He was a talented property manager who helped triple Adelicia's wealth.
Portrait of Joseph Acklen, Adelicia's 2nd husband. He was a talented property manager who helped triple Adelicia's wealth.
View from the Front Hallway of Belmont looking into the Grand Salon (where parties were held).
View from the Front Hallway of Belmont looking into the Grand Salon (where parties were held).		 The Ladies Parlor or Tête-à-Tête Salon. It is a dark room. They kept the curtains drawn probably due to the hot climate.
The Ladies Parlor or "Tête-à-Tête Salon." It is a dark room. They kept the curtains drawn probably due to the hot climate.		 Mantel inside the Ladies Parlor with decorative porcelain pieces and a clock.
Mantel inside the Ladies Parlor with decorative porcelain pieces and a clock.		 The furniture in this room is not original, although the room is decorated with period pieces of that time.
The furniture in this room is not original, although the room is decorated with period pieces of that time.
The bible on the table is one of the few original things in this room.
The bible on the table is one of the few original things in this room.		 This bowl on the table with the fish inside is an original piece collected by Adelicia and made out of alabaster.
This bowl on the table with the fish inside is an original piece collected by Adelicia and made out of alabaster.		 Although it uncertain what the wallpaper looked like, this one was chosen because it was popular during the time period.
Although it uncertain what the wallpaper looked like, this one was chosen because it was popular during the time period.		 Bric-a-brac that Adelicia collected are period pieces. A copy of a baby portrait of Claude, one of her sons who survived her.
Bric-a-brac that Adelicia collected are period pieces. A copy of a baby portrait of Claude, one of her sons who survived her.
The Central Parlor in Belmont Mansion.
The Central Parlor in Belmont Mansion.		 Adelicia's portrait with her horse Bucephala (named after Alexander the Great's horse) was painted before she was married.
Adelicia's portrait with her horse "Bucephala" (named after Alexander the Great's horse) was painted before she was married.		 Ornate Central Parlor with a crystal chandelier, a piano and marble fireplace. The furniture is in this room is original.
Ornate Central Parlor with a crystal chandelier, a piano and marble fireplace. The furniture is in this room is original.		 This is portrait of her 3 girls (the baby is Emma, and Adelicia and Victoria) from her marriage with Isaac Franklin.
This is portrait of her 3 girls (the baby is Emma, and Adelicia and Victoria) from her marriage with Isaac Franklin.
Sculpture called Sans Souci by Courtney Ives (American) acquired by Adelicia on her grand tour of Europe from 1865-1866.
Sculpture called "Sans Souci" by Courtney Ives (American) acquired by Adelicia on her "grand tour" of Europe from 1865-1866.		 This is an original couch made by John Henry Belter's New York company. He perfected this curved technique of the wood.
This is an original couch made by John Henry Belter's New York company. He perfected this curved technique of the wood.		 This piano is also original and belonged to Adelicia.
This piano is also original and belonged to Adelicia.		 This room is called the Winter Parlor since a lot of light comes into this room.
This room is called the "Winter Parlor" since a lot of light comes into this room.
The furniture in this room is original and was also made by John Henry Belter's New York company.
The furniture in this room is original and was also made by John Henry Belter's New York company.		 You can see the many windows in this room from which a lot of light comes in.
You can see the many windows in this room from which a lot of light comes in.		 Tea and pastries set up in the Winter Parlor for afternoon teas (as it probably was when Adelicia lived here).
Tea and pastries set up in the Winter Parlor for afternoon teas (as it probably was when Adelicia lived here).		 Portrait in the Winter Parlor of Adelicia's niece, Corinne Goodman who lived in Memphis.
Portrait in the Winter Parlor of Adelicia's niece, Corinne Goodman who lived in Memphis.
The Grand Salon is part of what Adelicia and Joseph added on in 1859. Previously, this was the back porch.
The Grand Salon is part of what Adelicia and Joseph added on in 1859. Previously, this was the back porch.		 The original architect, Adolphus Heiman, who built the house, added this barrel-vaulted ceiling room for entertaining.
The original architect, Adolphus Heiman, who built the house, added this barrel-vaulted ceiling room for entertaining.		 The plaster molding and the light fixtures are original.
The plaster molding and the light fixtures are original.		 A portrait of a young Queen Victoria hangs over the grand staircase off of the Grand Salon.
A portrait of a young Queen Victoria hangs over the grand staircase off of the Grand Salon.
Close-of Queen Victoria's youthful portrait painted on wood. Joseph bought it in New Orleans in 1855 for about $5,000.
Close-of Queen Victoria's youthful portrait painted on wood. Joseph bought it in New Orleans in 1855 for about $5,000.		 This fountain, which is now in the back courtyard, used to be inside the house.
This fountain, which is now in the back courtyard, used to be inside the house.		 More statuary in the Grand Salon, probably acquired by Adelicia during her grand tour of Europe from 1865-1866.
More statuary in the Grand Salon, probably acquired by Adelicia during her grand tour of Europe from 1865-1866.		 View looking in the other direction of the Grand Salon. Note the wood floors, columns and statuary.
View looking in the other direction of the Grand Salon. Note the wood floors, columns and statuary.
Painting of what Belmont Mansion looked like in Adelicia's time. They had gas lamps, so it was like a shining beacon on a hill.
Painting of what Belmont Mansion looked like in Adelicia's time. They had gas lamps, so it was like a shining beacon on a hill.		 The open-back chairs and mirror in the Formal Dining Room are original and belonged to Adelicia.
The open-back chairs and mirror in the Formal Dining Room are original and belonged to Adelicia.		 Elaborate dinner parties with 18 or 20 courses were held in the Formal Dining Room.
Elaborate dinner parties with 18 or 20 courses were held in the Formal Dining Room.		 The flooring in the Formal Dining Room resembles the linoleum that we use today. The wood in this room was oak faux-painted.
The flooring in the Formal Dining Room resembles the linoleum that we use today. The wood in this room was oak "faux-painted."
Examples of some of the different sets of china that Adelicia owned are on dislplay in this case.
Examples of some of the different sets of china that Adelicia owned are on dislplay in this case.		 Painting in the Formal Dining Room is a copy of a youthful self-portrait by Rembrandt. Much of Adelicia's art were copies.
Painting in the Formal Dining Room is a copy of a youthful self-portrait by Rembrandt. Much of Adelicia's art were copies.		 Across the hall is the smaller Family Dining Room where they spent more time. It was also used as a den.
Across the hall is the smaller Family Dining Room where they spent more time. It was also used as a den.		 This is set up like a luncheon with the original every-day china.
This is set up like a luncheon with the original every-day china.
An portrait of an older Adelicia in the Family Dining Room.
An portrait of an older Adelicia in the Family Dining Room.		 Another portrait in the Family Dining Room of the first husband (who had the money), Isaac Franklin. He looked like Clark Gable!
Another portrait in the Family Dining Room of the first husband (who had the money), Isaac Franklin. He looked like Clark Gable!		 Window from the front with a balcony where you can see the grounds and the gazebo in front of Belmont Mansion.
Window from the front with a balcony where you can see the grounds and the gazebo in front of Belmont Mansion.		 Joseph's Library (the second husband) with a desk and fireplace.
Joseph's Library (the second husband) with a desk and fireplace.
Statue in Joseph's Library called Rebecca at the Well, which Adelicia picked up in Europe between 1865-1866.
Statue in Joseph's Library called "Rebecca at the Well," which Adelicia picked up in Europe between 1865-1866.		 Also, in Joseph's Library is a copy of a painting of Napolean III being crowned king of Italy. It was one of Joseph's favorites.
Also, in Joseph's Library is a copy of a painting of Napolean III being crowned king of Italy. It was one of Joseph's favorites.		 This room was probably a Gentlemens' Parlor where men came and smoked cigars and drank port after dinner.
This room was probably a Gentlemens' Parlor where men came and smoked cigars and drank port after dinner.		 The decor of the room is rather masculine with an elks head on the wall.
The decor of the room is rather masculine with an elks head on the wall.
Adelicia's oldest son, Joseph, was the first game warden in Tennessee, and the 3rd son, Claude, became one in Maryland.
Adelicia's oldest son, Joseph, was the first game warden in Tennessee, and the 3rd son, Claude, became one in Maryland.		 The fireplace (in which they burnt coal) with a marble sculpture of Pocahontas in the corner of the room.
The fireplace (in which they burnt coal) with a marble sculpture of Pocahontas in the corner of the room.		 Close-up of Pocahontas. This statue was also acquired by Adelicia on her grand tour of Europe between 1865-1866.
Close-up of Pocahontas. This statue was also acquired by Adelicia on her grand tour of Europe between 1865-1866.		 View of the fireplace made of local Tennessee Chaplain marble. Every mantelpiece at Belmont Mansion has a clock on it.
View of the fireplace made of local Tennessee Chaplain marble. Every mantelpiece at Belmont Mansion has a clock on it.
View from the second floor of steep stairs going to the cupalo (for air flow). The second floor was once a porch.
View from the second floor of steep stairs going to the cupalo (for air flow). The second floor was once a porch.		 When the barrel-vaulted Grand Salon was added in 1859, they walled up the 2nd floor porch and added windows.
When the barrel-vaulted Grand Salon was added in 1859, they walled up the 2nd floor porch and added windows.		 Painting of the cupalo to allow the house to breathe. A lot of paintings, like Napolean III, were hung in the 2nd floor porch.
Painting of the cupalo to allow the house to breathe. A lot of paintings, like Napolean III, were hung in the 2nd floor porch.		 A copy of a sculpture that didn't belong to Belmont Mansion and was sent to them by mistake. They put it on the 2nd floor porch.
A copy of a sculpture that didn't belong to Belmont Mansion and was sent to them by mistake. They put it on the 2nd floor porch.
One of 5 bedrooms on the 2nd floor. Only the armoire is original to this room.
One of 5 bedrooms on the 2nd floor. Only the armoire is original to this room.		 Close-up of the original mahagony armoire in this bedroom.
Close-up of the original mahagony armoire in this bedroom.		 This four poster bed is a mahagony period piece from the 1850's and was a gift to Belmont Mansion.
This four poster bed is a mahagony period piece from the 1850's and was a gift to Belmont Mansion.		 Off of this bedroom is the Trunk Room, where ladies' clothes were stored in trunks. Mens' clothes were stored in armoires.
Off of this bedroom is the Trunk Room, where ladies' clothes were stored in trunks. Mens' clothes were stored in armoires.
When Joseph and Adelicia got married, these miniature portraits were painted of them.
When Joseph and Adelicia got married, these miniature portraits were painted of them.		 Miniature marriage portrait of Adelicia.
Miniature marriage portrait of Adelicia.		 In this case is the wedding present that Adelicia gave to Joseph, which is a French travel kit or nécessaires de voyage.
In this case is the wedding present that Adelicia gave to Joseph, which is a French travel kit or "nécessaires de voyage."		 Joseph was an admirer of Napolean Bonaparte. The kit was made by the same gold and silversmiths who made Napolean's travel kit.
Joseph was an admirer of Napolean Bonaparte. The kit was made by the same gold and silversmiths who made Napolean's travel kit.
They do not know who had what room, but they know that the bed, dresser and armoire in this middle bedroom are original pieces.
They do not know who had what room, but they know that the bed, dresser and armoire in this middle bedroom are original pieces.		 The map is also an original piece found in the house from the 1840's showing the United States at that time (and by county).
The map is also an original piece found in the house from the 1840's showing the United States at that time (and by county).		 The pine floors in this room are also original, as is the furniture.
The pine floors in this room are also original, as is the furniture.		 The style was to have wall-to-wall carpet strips laid down, so you would not have seen the floors in Adelicia's time.
The style was to have wall-to-wall carpet strips laid down, so you would not have seen the floors in Adelicia's time.
Adelicia referred to this room as the Nursery.
Adelicia referred to this room as the Nursery.		 The bed is original, and the furniture is identical to the furniture that was in the room.
The bed is original, and the furniture is identical to the furniture that was in the room.		 A large copy of a miniature of Adelicia. Miniatures were painted of Adelicia and Joseph the year they got married.
A large copy of a "miniature" of Adelicia. Miniatures were painted of Adelicia and Joseph the year they got married.		 Pictures on the wall in the Nursery. The lower one is a portrait of Adlelicia's personal maid, Eva Snowden Baker.
Pictures on the wall in the Nursery. The lower one is a portrait of Adlelicia's personal maid, Eva Snowden Baker.
Before the war, they had about 25 slaves at Belmont and about 1,000 at the plantation in Louisiana.
Before the war, they had about 25 slaves at Belmont and about 1,000 at the plantation in Louisiana.		 Also, on the second floor is Adelicia's bedroom, which was under renovation. They have their work cut out for them!
Also, on the second floor is Adelicia's bedroom, which was under renovation. They have their work cut out for them!		 They know it was her bedroom, because it had the most elaborate wallpaper. The paper also hangs in the Hermitage.
They know it was her bedroom, because it had the most elaborate wallpaper. The paper also hangs in the Hermitage.		 This is an artist's rendering of what they think that Adelicia's bedroom looked like.
This is an artist's rendering of what they think that Adelicia's bedroom looked like.
The tour guide, Ellen, held up samples of the wallpaper in Adelicia's bedroom, which was extremely elaborate.
The tour guide, Ellen, held up samples of the wallpaper in Adelicia's bedroom, which was extremely elaborate.		 View inside a pantry of some of Adelicia's china.
View inside a pantry of some of Adelicia's china.		 Close-up of the china. This is the oldest china, because it was passed down to Adelicia from her mother.
Close-up of the china. This is the oldest china, because it was passed down to Adelicia from her mother.		 This pantry, where food was stored, worked in conjunction with the kitchen, which was down in the basement.
This pantry, where food was stored, worked in conjunction with the kitchen, which was down in the basement.
It was easier to wash the dishes on the ground floor rather than having to carry them down to the basement.
It was easier to wash the dishes on the ground floor rather than having to carry them down to the basement.		 From left to right are Adelicia's grown children. The oldest was Joseph, then William, Claude and Pauline.
From left to right are Adelicia's grown children. The oldest was Joseph, then William, Claude and Pauline.		 Adelicia's great-granddaughter, Pauline Kaiser, wearing the dress that Adelicia wore in 1866 at the court of Napolean III.
Adelicia's great-granddaughter, Pauline Kaiser, wearing the dress that Adelicia wore in 1866 at the court of Napolean III.		 Daguerreotypes of Corrine and Laura, Adelicia's sisters and a miniature of Dr. Cheetham, the last (younger) husband.
Daguerreotypes of Corrine and Laura, Adelicia's sisters and a miniature of Dr. Cheetham, the last (younger) husband.
Close-up of the miniature of Dr. Cheetham. Many eyebrows must have been raised when Adelicia married a younger man!
Close-up of the miniature of Dr. Cheetham. Many eyebrows must have been raised when Adelicia married a younger man!		 Daguerreotype of Adelicia and her daughter Pauline.
Daguerreotype of Adelicia and her daughter Pauline.		 Photograph of the plantation house in Louisiana. Plans to make the house more elaborate were curtailed when the war broke out.
Photograph of the plantation house in Louisiana. Plans to make the house more elaborate were curtailed when the war broke out.		 The big white area on the Mississippi/Louisiana border is Adelicia's 8,600 acre plantation. It is now Angola State Penitentiary.
The big white area on the Mississippi/Louisiana border is Adelicia's 8,600 acre plantation. It is now Angola State Penitentiary.
A daguerreotype of Belmont that was taken from the water tower by a Union soldier. It shows how big and elaborate it really was.
A daguerreotype of Belmont that was taken from the water tower by a Union soldier. It shows how big and elaborate it really was.		 The friendly director of Belmont Mansion who was in the process of putting up Christmas decorations.
The friendly director of Belmont Mansion who was in the process of putting up Christmas decorations.		 The many gazebos around the property (which is now Belmont University) are from Adelicia's time.
The many gazebos around the property (which is now Belmont University) are from Adelicia's time.		 This fountain in front of the house is original to Adelicia's time. Most of the statues are replicas of the originals.
This fountain in front of the house is original to Adelicia's time. Most of the statues are replicas of the originals.
The grounds also included lavish gardens, conservatories, an aviary, a lake and a zoo.
The grounds also included lavish gardens, conservatories, an aviary, a lake and a zoo.		 Close-up of the rose garden and more statuary.
Close-up of the rose garden and more statuary.		 Months before her death, Adelicia sold Belmont, and much of the land, today, is owned and occupied by Belmont College.
Months before her death, Adelicia sold Belmont, and much of the land, today, is owned and occupied by Belmont College.		 An ornate bench underneath a tree changing colors in November.
An ornate bench underneath a tree changing colors in November.
From below, you can just make out the cupalo (a domelike structure surmounting a roof, used as a lookout or to admit air).
From below, you can just make out the cupalo (a domelike structure surmounting a roof, used as a lookout or to admit air).		 Ancient-looking statuary also adorns the top of Belmont Mansion such as this statue on the left.
Ancient-looking statuary also adorns the top of Belmont Mansion such as this statue on the left.		 On the right of the top of Belmont Mansion is another classical sculpture.
On the right of the top of Belmont Mansion is another classical sculpture.

comment | share
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment
click on thumbnails for full image