2024 April 19, Visitor Center, Kennedy Douglas Art Museum, Coffee Cemetery with AVA

 Today we rode into town to pick up hubby's medicine at Walgreens. 

We rode to the Blue The Blue Door Thrift Store/SCOPE 310 and bought AVA a game. 

Ate lunch at Culverts. 

Hubby and I split a plate of shrimp, fries, cole Slaw, and Chocolate moose yogurt.  

We bought an AVA hamburger, fries, and chocolate yogurt.

We stopped at the nearby Walmart for a few items. Ava and I walked across the street to the Coffee & Slave Cemeteries. 

A very large old tree at Coffee Cemetery

Ava wanted to visit a museum so we rode to the Kennedy-Douglass Art Center. There we saw AROY Artistic Rendering of Youth which features artwork created by 7th through 12th grade students from 15 different schools! Outside we stopped to take pictures of the statues. 

AVA and the outdoor art

We walked across the street to Wilson Park there the mist from the fountain seemed to reach the clouds.

overflowing Fountain at Wilson Park 

Color is the music of light 
Frank Lloyd Wright 
(this marker is on the sidewalk at Wilson Park)

We watched a barge go up the Tennessee River 
men fishing 

Ava enjoyed the playground area at McFarland Park. Our last stop was the Visitor Center where they saw several displays. 

Large and small-mouth bass
Bass fishing & tournaments are big in the Tennessee River in Florence
Ava enjoyed the one with the big and small-mouth fish. 

WC Handy Statue in Wilson Park 
WC Handy 
Father of the Blues 
1873- 1958 
Born in Florence, Alabama 

Display of WC Handy's music at Florence-Lauderdale Visitor Center.
Handy played the Cornet (pictured here) 
Handy's first hit was "The Memphis Blues".

The W. C. Handy Music Festival is held annually in Florence, Alabama, sponsored by the Music Preservation Society, Inc., in honor of Florence native W. C. Handy, the "Father of the Blues." The non-profit Music Preservation Society was formed in 1982, with the mission to preserve, present, and promote the musical heritage of Northwest Alabama.

The next 2024 Handy Festival will be Wednesday-Saturday June 12-15 in Florence, Alabama. 

2022 April 16, Walking tour Decatur Cemetery Decatur, AL with Phil Wirey

Today I attended the walking tour of Decatur Cemetery, organized by Decatur Morgan County Tourism and Morgan County Historic Society.

Our guide talks about James & Ellen Hildreth

The cemetery is located at Highway 20 west Decatur. Coordinates: 34.61690, -87.00110

The first burial was recorded in 1855. The cemetery is divided into 7 sections, the Original, Brown Circle, Cantwell, Cowan, Decatur Land Company, Humes, and Sterrs. 

Two famous people are buried here 

Christopher Columbus Harris US Congressman also served as Lieutenant in the Civil War.  He is buried in the Cantwell Section of the cemetery.

Seybourn Harris Lynne Jurist, a civil Rights Figure who served as US Federal District Judge from 1946 to 1973.

Marker and Civil War Graves 

Known buried within this cemetery
Isaac L. Beard 6th Ark Co B Dod April 1, 1862
John R. Hopkins Sgf. 12th LA. Inf. Co. A. KIA Oct. 28, 1864
Jacob Hubbard PVT 12th LA. INF. CO. H. KIA Oct. 28, 1864
John R. Palmer DOD Feb. 16, 1862
James E. Patrick CPL 12 LA. INF. CO. G. KIA Oct. 28, 1864

Beneath this hallowed ground lay the remains of fifty-five Confederate soldiers. They gave their lives to establish southern independence, protect their homes, and preserve state rights. These original headstones were placed in May 1903 by the Joe Wheeler Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy. On June 3, 1903, a dedication service was held by the Daughters of the Confederacy and veterans of the Horace King Camp, United Confederate Veterans. This site was rededicated on April 26, 2005, by the Joe Wheeler Chapter No. 291, United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Liberty Camp 580, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Decatur, Alabama.

Confederate States of America
1861-1865

2022 April 9, Walking Tour Moulton, AL

Moulton's Head Start former Rosenwald School

 Everyone meets at Moulton's Head Start the former Rosenwald School with speaker Nita Marlborough. 

After the speech, we all walked through the building.

History of Moulton (not quite finished) painted by Monica Hooper 

I parked near the Mural of Moulton and walked to the School. 

Next, I walked to the nearby Freeman Tabernacle where we listened to Leela Reeves talk about the church. (We all went inside)

Freeman Tabernacle Church (located on Byler Road and Rosenwald Street 

On January 3, 1874, former slaves and Deacons King Crayton, George Pruitt, Tandy Crayton, and Ben Warren paid fifty dollars for land to construct the Colored Baptist Church, which was one of the earliest in the Muscle Shoals Colored Baptist Association. This organization helped black communities build churches and schools. After he died in 1933, the congregation renamed the church to honor longtime pastor John Harrison Freeman.

Our next stop was Bayler Road Church of Christ to listen to Lewis Jackson.

Smith Chapel C.M.E Church 
On this site in 1871 former slaves constructed one of the first churches and schools for African Americans in Moulton. The Colored Methodist purchased most of the materials used for the building. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Nabors Owen gave land for the Colored Baptist and Colored Methodist Church and School Moulton. The congregations worshipped together until 1874. The church is named in honor of Rev. Andrew Smith, a former pastor.

Our next stop was a guided tour of Smith Chapel led by Caroline Fletcher.

At the Moulton Cemetery  Cindy Praetor, Alicia Carpenter, and Beth Garner (who were dressed in the period) gave a talk about the tombstone they were standing next to)

Mollie, James & Lucy Downing

Elaine Jackson led us on a tour of the Hot Spot. 

the Hot Spot 
c.1945
Alabama Register of 
Landmarks and Heritage
by Alabama 
Historical Commission 
June 27, 2019 

Guides

(Marvin Jackson,  Nita Marlboro led the discussion at Rosenwald School, Lela Reeves at Freeman Tabernacle, Louise Jackson at Byler Road Church of Christ, and Carolyn Fletcher guided the tour to Smith Chapel)

 

  

2021 April 3, Florence Cemetery Walking Tour, UNA, McFarland Park, Wilson Dam, & Ava Florence, Alabama

The tour will begin at 705 East College Street led by Harry Wallace. The tour of the Florence Cemetery established in 18181 features many unique headstones and famous gravesites among the rolling hills and towering trees. 

The cemetery contains the graves of many early settlers, two governors, prominent leaders and families, and many unknown CSA soldiers.

Harry Wallace our guide

Blooming Cherry Trees 

McFarland Par 

After the walking tour, I stopped at Wilson Park to see the blooming cherry trees. 

Next, I went to UNA to see the newly remodeled fountain. There were people there taking pictures for Graduation. Leo the lion was basking in the sun and he roared several times. Normally he just lays quietly but today he must have been hungry.

LEO the Lion at UNA

Fountain at UNA 

Ava riding her car 

I rode to McFarland Park and stopped for a few pictures. The River was down compared to what it had been but still was peeking at the banks. One side of the park was closed because of flooding. There were a lot of people at the park, people were parked everywhere even on the banks of the road. 

I stopped at River Heritage Park and walked to see the floodgates at Wilson Dam. The Tennessee River was raging through. 

On my way home I stopped to check on my son Mike he had surgery on his back. He was outside with his brother Andy. Ava came outside and was riding her car. Saw a Yellow Monarch Butterfly landing on the yellow dandelions. 

I had a very interesting day.

Visiting Cemeteries

Antioch Cemetery Killen(Dec 9, 2003) June 9, 1997 

Anderson Cemetery Anderson (June 30, 2015) 

Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA (Nov 8, 2002) 

Ashberry Shiloh Cemetery Pigeon Forge TN (Nov 17, 2009

Atlas Cemetery Killen(Aug 27, 2003)

Athens Old town Cemetery Athens(April 17, 2016)

Athens Cemetery Athens(April 17, 2016)

Barbe Cemetery Lula, MS (Jan 17, 201) 

Barton Cemetery Barton, AL(July 30, 2009) 

Barnett Cemetery Lexington, AL(Mar 13, 2009)

Canerday Cemetery Florence, AL (Jan 23, 2003)

Cedar Grove (Nov 29, 2016) AUG 8 1998

Center Hill Cemetery (Feb 12, 2009)

Chattanooga National Cemetery (Mar 22,2015)

Clemmons Cemetery (Aug 28, 2003)

Coffee Cemetery Florence(Sept 8, 2010) (April 10,2015)

Colbert Memorial Cemetery Tuscumbia(Oct 18,1997)

Coon Dog Cemetery Cherokee(July 30, 2009)

Corinth National Cemetery Corinth, MS(Sept 1, 2016) 

Cox Tidwell Killen(Feb 25, 2004 89photo)

Crowell Family Cemetery Fort Mitchell, AL (July 12, 2011)  

Demorest Cemetery Michigan(Aug 7,1998)

East Dayton Cemetery Dayton, MI(Aug 8, 1998)

Florence Cemetery (May 16, 2013)(May 14,2013)(May 3,2010)(2009 June 19) (Mar 11, 2009)(Oct 20, 2009) (June 19, 2009) (July 18, 2009) (May 3, 2014)

Fort Mitchell Fort Mitchel, Al (July 12, 2011

Forks Cypress Jackson Cemetery Florence, AL(June 7, 2009)

Glencoe Cemetery Tuscumbia, AL (June 24, 2016)

Glendale Cemetery Leighton April 3, 2008, Oct 18, 1997

Greenhill Cemetery Greenhill, AL Oct 4, 2003)

Greenview Florence, AL 

Grounds Cemetery at Hermitage, TN (Sep 25, 2010)

Hale Cemetery Killen, AL (Dec 12, 2003)

Harden Cemetery Killen, AL (Dec 6, 2006)

Harrison Cemetery Killen, AL (July 31, 2010)

Harrison Little Berry Cemetery Killen, AL 

Henry Stutts Cemetery Killen(Feb 20, 2009)

Hickory Flats Cemetery Lexington(Feb 2, 2004)

Hill Cemetery Killen(Jan 25, 2004)

Hugh McVay Moore Cemetery Florence(Sept 8, 2010)

Hunts Hill Cemetery, MS 17, 2012 

Jackson Tennessee Cemetery Wayne Co TN(Mar 12, 2003)

Jacksonburg Cemetery Florence(Oct 5, 2005)

JOE Wheeler Cemetery Pond Springs, AL(April 17, 2013)

Killen Baptist Church Cemetery Killen April 11, 1999 

Killen Cemetery Killen(Jan 30, 2009)

LaGrange Cemetery LaGrange, AL (Nov 21, 2009)

Lone Cedar Cemetery Florence(Jan 12, 2009)

Loretta Cemetery Loretta, TN(Aug 21, 2003 7photo)

Maple Hill Cemetery Huntsville, AL (Oct 17, 2010) (May 4, 2010)(Oct 18, 2009) (2009 Aug 25) (Oct 13, 2013)

Maple Hill Cemetery Helena, AR (Jan 17,2012) 

Mimosa Cemetery Lawrenceburg, TN (Oct 22,2016)

Mt Hermon Savannah, Tn (June 22, 1997)

Mt Pleasant Tn 

Mt Zion Cemetery Florence, AL(Aug 13, 2003,) (Sept 6, 1997)

North Carolina Cemetery Killen Sept 21, 2003, May 31, 1997, July 11, 1998

Oak Grove Paducah, KY (Sept 14, 2011)

Oakwood Cemetery Montgomery, AL (Oct 11, 2013) 

Oakwood Annex Montgomery, AL (Oct 11, 2013)

Oakwood Sheffield Cemetery, AL (Sept 6, 2010)(July 27, 2009)(Mar 12,2003)

Oakwood Tuscumbia Cemetery(May 14, 2013)(Oct 21, 2009)(July 27, 2009),(April 25, 2015)(Oct 18, 1997)

Peck Cemetery Killen(Dec 12, 2003)

Pettus Cemetery Lexington, AL 

Piney Grove Cemetery Hardin County, TN June 22, 1997

Rogers Chapel Zip City, AL 

Rogers Williams Cemetery Providence, RI (July 20, 2014) 

Sadler Cemetery Russellville, Al (Oct 1, 2013)

Saint Margaret’s Cemetery Montgomery, Al (Oct 11, 2013)

Shaw Cemetery Leighton, AL(Oct 18, 1997)

Shiloh National Cemetery Shiloh, TN (Sept 1, 2009)

Tabernacle Cemetery Greenhill, Al(Aug 24, 2003) (Aug 2003)

Union Springs, Ga Cemetery (April 22, 2007)

Wade Cemetery (Mar 21, 2003) (Sept 24, 2009), (June 22, 1997)

Wesley Cemetery Central, Al(Feb 26, 2004) (June 9, 1997)

Winston Cemetery Tuscumbia, AL(July 27, 2009) 

Wilson Cemetery St Florian, Al (Oct 21, 2009)

🚙2017 June 13, Tuesday, Day Trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky

We left home around seven, it was a great day for traveling.
Hubby and I traveled north on Highway 43 to Murphy's in Lawrenceburg, TN where we filled up with gas.

We stopped at Cracker Barrel in Spring Hill where Hubby ordered a big breakfast and I ordered two slices of sourdough toast, one scrambled egg, and two pieces of bacon with iced tea to drink.

Leaving Spring Hill onto I-65 north traveling through Nashville to Bowling Green.
You can see the Corvette Museum and Car Plant from the interstate.

We arrived at the Corvette Museum a little before 11AM, stopping outside to take pictures of the Michelin Man, Air Tank, and Corvette on display at the entrance.

Designed especially for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta GA

Michelin Man, Coats Air Gage Tank

Hubby parked and we went inside the museum, stopping to view a few Corvettes on display before going to the ticket counter.
We were given armbands and then we were told the plant tour was across the highway.
Our scheduled time to tour the plant was 11:30AM.
Hubby let me out near the entrance and went to park the van.
I walked up the long corridor to the entrance, and once inside I got in line for tickets.
I already had our tickets and I asked for a wheelchair.
The tour is about an hour long and a lot of walking. They recommended using a wheelchair if you are having problems walking. (So I said yes)
I was wheeled inside and given a yellow time card and told them hubby was on his way.

Bowling Green Plant outside (no electronic devices allowed inside)

We watched a video and the 11;15 tours were called.
When the 11:30AM tour was called we lined up.
We had two tour guides one in front and one at the end of the line.
Before we went inside we were all given safety glasses to wear.
We followed our guides and were told to stay behind the yellow lines.
We stopped along the way for the guides to tell us about the assembly of the Corvettes.
The tour took about one hour.
We then rode back to the Corvette Museum.

Entrance to Corvette Cafe 

Entrance to Corvette Museum 

Inside the Corvette Cafe, we ordered a bowl of Strawberry Ice Cream from Chaney's Farm which we shared.
We ordered a Peanut Butter cookie full of peanut butter chips and Heath toffee.
We ordered one Oatmeal Cranberry full of plump cranberries, buttery oats, and Heath toffee.
We also ordered one Snickerdoodle Cookies butter cookie topped with Saigon cinnamon all came from Christie's Bakery.

Eating Strawberry Ice Cream from Chaney's Farm 

Snickerdoodle Cookie & Strawberry Ice Cream

Inside the Corvette Museum building, there was the Corvette Cafe, Corvette Archives, Corvette Store, and the Corvette Museum.

What a perfect ride

Our picture was taken driving or standing next to a Corvette before we went inside the museum.
We took our time to view the Corvettes (many on loan from individuals).

Picture inside the Archive's 

Mini-Corvette inside the Archives

Our next stop was the Woodland Cemetery in Nashville,  where several famous people are buried.
Hubby took a picture of me in front of "The Possum" by George Jones.
He stopped loving her today.  Around 4:00PM

"The Possum" by George Jones
"The king of broken hearts"
He sang of life's hardships and struggles, in a way somehow lightened our own.
His voice was effortless and unforgettable.
He brought unsurpassed emotional eloquence to every song he sang. 
He was and is the soul of country music. No one will ever fill his shoes. 
He is at rest, but his music is alive and ageless. 
He gifted it to all of us, the joyful and broken 
"Walk Through This World with me!"

Driving through Woodland Cemetery we stumbled upon the Carper Homestead and the Hospital Water Source.

Hospital Water Source 
Because of the Generous pure water supply available this spring the area surrounding it was selected as a hospital site for the treatment of soldiers wounded in the Battle of Nashville which took place during the War Between The States.

Water Source for the Hospital 

Carper Homestead
Known to be one of the oldest houses remaining from the early American era. Originally located on Cane Ridge Road in Antioch, Tennessee. The materials were removed piece-by-piece and rebuilt exactly as they stood when occupied by the Carper Generations. 
Donated to Woodland Memorial Park for Historic Preservation by the children of William Washington and Susie Black Carper
William Herman Carper
Ruth Carper Chasteen
Estella Carper Quest
Louella Carper James
Thelma Carper Ellicott
Kathleen Carper Huddleston
Irene Carper Chahoc
Mary Carper Pulliam 
Dedicated 1969

Carper Homestead

We stopped at Panda Express in Spring Hill, Tennessee around 5:00PM.
We ordered Cream Cheese Rangoon, Egg Rolls, Broccoli Beef, and Honey Walnut Shrimp.
We stopped in Lawrenceburg at Mapco to fill up with gas.
We were home around 6:30PM

Another great day of adventures.

🚙2016 November 29, Tuesday, Day Trip to Historic Lebanon, Tennessee

We traveled north on I-65 to I-840 to I-40 turning onto Cumberland Highway toward Lebanon. 

Our first stop was at the Cedar Grove Cemetery located at 406 S Maple Street in Lebanon. 

The cemetery had over 8,000 graves in it buried, several important people. 

Robert Allen Congressman 1778-1844 

Wm Bowen Campbell CW Union Brigadier General 1807-1867

Robert Looney Caruthers US Congressman 1800-1882

Edward Isaac Golladay US Congressman 1830-1897

Robert Hopkins Hatton CSA Confederate Brigadier General 1826-1862

Haywood Yancey Riddle US Congressman 1834-1879

Standing tall in the front of the cemetery we found Confederal General Robert Hatton and his wife Sophie's tombstone. 

Inscribed on the front of the tombstone was Confederate General Robert Hatton born on Nov 2, 1826, died on May 31, 1862, inscription While leading his Tennessee Brigade in the Battle of Seven Pines, Richmond, Va. 

Inscribed on the side of the same tombstone was Sophie Reilly Hatton wife of General Robert Hatton served as State Librarian of Tennessee for eight years, and founder of Associated Charities, Nashville Missionary in Japan for fifteen years. 

Relentless in her devotion to Christ and to the need for humanities.

She was as true as noble and as great as was her gallant husband. 

Organized as 7th TN INF. Hatton was appointed Colonel in command and was assigned to fight in the Army of Northern Virginia with General Robert E. Lee. He was promoted Brigadier General on May 23, 1863, and eight days later died at the Battle of Seven Pines Richmond, VA. 

His men went on to fight in every major battle in the war and when General E. Lee surrounded Appomattox Court House, only 47, men from the 7th Infantry were left. In 1912, a statue of General Hatton was erected on the square in Lebanon, TN in his honor. 

Cedar Grove Cemetery A Final Resting Place

Near the Confederate Statue and Confederate graves, we saw:

Cedar Grove Cemetery A Final Resting Place

The city of Lebanon purchased the land for this beautiful cemetery in 1846. Beneath its trees lie more than 150 soldiers who served in the Confederate army during the Civil War, including many Wilson County men who enlisted in the 7th Tennessee Infantry. The focal point of Cedar Grove Cemetery is the Confederate Monument, which was erected on July 27, 1899. The eighteen-foot-tall memorial features a statue of an infantryman standing with his rifle at parade rest. A large crowd gathered to hear Tennessee governor Benton Macmillan and several other speakers pay tribute to the qualities, struggles, and triumphs of Col. John K. Howard, Col. Sam G. Shepard, and Cape. A.K. Miller, all of the 7th Tennessee Infantry, all are interred here. James L. Barry of (Smith's) 4th Tennessee Cavalry, Tennessee's last surviving Confederate veteran, is buried here, as is Robert L. Caruthers, Confederate governor of Tennessee and a founded of Cumberland University Martha "Mattie" Ready, the widow of  Gen. John Hunt Morgan and their daughter, Johnnie, are buried in the cemetery. Nine men of

Morgan's 2nd Kentucky Cavalry who was killed on May 5, 1863, during the Battle of Lebanon also is buried here. The names of the Confederate soldiers buried in the Cedar Grove Cemetery are etched on the sides of this memorial; others will be added as they are discovered. 

" A whole community will assemble around the stricken widow of our general [Hatton], and the mothers of the noble boys who fell by his side will mingle their tears with hers." Lt. Colonel John K. Howard, 7th Tennessee Infantry (CSA)

The Mill
The Mill at Lebanon is an adaptive reuse project converting the former Lebanon Woolen Mills into a mixed-use facility encompassing offices, restaurants, retail, event spaces, and other creative spaces. The Lebanon Woolen Mills began operation in 1908 and ceased operations in 1998. It has since been renovated and preserved and welcomes you to visit our very special space

Lebanon Station

Lebanon Station
Lebanon Station is the origination point for the Music City Star's East Corridor Regional Rail line. It is located at 334 W. Baddour Parkway. Early morning train service begins here and makes stops at the other stations along the route before arriving at Riverfront Station in downtown Nashville. Lebanon Station is located on an old factory site, which is bordered by Baddour Parkway, Greenwood Street, and Hill Street. Approximately 140 parking spaces are provided with direct access off Baddour Parkway.

On January 4, 2016, Cumberland University changed the nickname of its athletic program from "Bulldogs" to "Phoenix", stating that, "For more than 150 years, the Phoenix has personified the spirit of Cumberland University.

Neddy Jacobs Cabin 
Before 1870, the land that is now the Historic Lebanon Town Square was claimed by William Rodney. It was part of 640 acres surrounding the gushing spring, and here he built a cabin. After his death, the land was sold in 1793, by his heirs to James Menees. In 1801 the Tennessee State Legislature appointed five commissioners to determine the site for a County seat for Wilson County. They chose this site around the spring and cabin. When Lebanon was founded and lots were sold on August 16, 1802, one family was living in a cabin near the spring around which the town was laid out. Edward Neddy Jacobs and his Lumbee Indian wife had moved into the cabin in 1800. Needy, an Irishman who had shipwrecked off the coast of North Carolina, was taken in by the Lumbee Indians. There he met his wife Lyula, before moving westward to Tennessee. Neddy later built a new cabin for his family, but after his death, Lyula left and moved west with a band of Cherokees who passed through Lebanon on the Trail of Tears. 

Wilson County Courthouse
The first courthouse stood on the west side of the public square. The second was located in the center of the square. In 1848 the third, designed by William Strickland, was erected on this site which was Lot No. 2 (SW) of the Lebanon town lot plan of 1802, this building was replaced by a fourth when a new courthouse was built elsewhere. 

Historic Lebanon 

Historic Lebanon 

Historic Lebanon 

Historic Lebanon 

 Confederate General Robert Hatton of the 7th TN Infantry standing in the middle of the town square

Lebanon Morgan's Defeat
In April 1862, after the Battle of Shiloh, Confederate Col. John Hunt Morgan planned a raid through Tennessee and Kentucky to sever Union supply lines. Morgan let the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry from Corinth, Mississippi, into Tennessee and engaged with several Federal detachments, attracting the attention of Union Gen. Ebenezer Dumont, who quickly assembled a mounted force to intercept them.

After missing their quarry near Shelbyville, Dumont’s advance under Col. Frank L. Wolford finally caught up with Morgan’s rearguard on May 4 but broke off the action after inconclusive skirmishing. Satisfied that the Federals had retreated, Morgan continued to Lebanon, where his men bivouacked around the town square and in the buildings of Cumberland University. Heavy rain fell all night, so the Confederate pickets went inside to dry off near the fire.

The Federals were only four miles away, however, and at dawn, the hard-charging troopers of the 1st Kentucky (U.S.) and 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry burst into town and surprised Morgan’s command.

Alone Confederate sentry, Pvt. Pleasant Whitlow rode just ahead of the attackers and gave only a brief warning before he was shot down. Unable to reach the livery stables and mount, many defenders took cover, and fierce house-to-house fighting began. The Federals finally drove the overwhelmed Confederates out of town. In the running fight, Morgan and a handful of his men escaped to Carthage on the Rome Turnpike. Amid the confusion, Morgan lost his favorite horse, Black Bess. While Federal casualties were low, about 50 of Morgan’s men were killed, 150 were captured, and the remainder scattered throughout the countryside.

Battle of Lebanon 
 Near dawn on May 5, 1862, Colonel John Hunt Morgan’s 800 Confederate Cavalry camped around the Public Square and at Cumberland University on South College Street, were attacked by General Ebenezer Dumont’s Federal Cavalry of 600 as they advanced from Murfreesboro in torrential rain. After an hour and a half of charges and countercharges, Morgan and most of his men withdrew on the Rome and Trousdale Ferry Pikes pursued by the Federals. Barricaded in Odd Fellows Hall on West Main Street, 60 to 70 of Morgan’s men fired upon the Federals. Later these Confederates surrendered when Dumont threatened to burn the town. During the attack, the Federal losses amounted to 10 killed, 21 wounded, and 5 missings. The Confederate losses amounted to 60 killed and an unknown number of wounded and missing.

Lebanon Post Office 
In July 1908 Lebanon's growth and prominence qualified the town for free citywide mail delivery. Congressman Cordell Hull secured funding of $50,000 for this federal post office building. The cornerstone was laid on October 30, 1913. Chief Supervising Architect Oscar Wenderoth designed the Beaux-Arts style building and contractor James Corse completed construction in 1915. Pink and gray East Tennessee Marble adorn the interior walls and floors. In 1999 the National Park Service placed the Lebanon Post Office in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure in the Lebanon Commercial Historic District. 

Capitol Theater

Restoration of Pickett Chapel 
a project of the Wilson County Black History Committee
Funding Sources:
this work is being funded in part by The National Park Service US Department of the Interior: The Tennessee Historical Commission, The Wilson County Government, the City of Lebanon, and Numerous other Friends and Supporters.
Architect Melvin Gill & Associates, Nashville, TN in association with Preservation Architect: Michale Emrick, RA, Nashville, TN, Structural Engineer: Stanley D. Lindsey & Assoc., LTD Brentwood, Tn

Pickett Chapel 

3A Robert Looney Caruthers 1800-1882 200
Born in Smith County in 1800, Caruthers was elected Confederate Governor in 1863. However, due to the Federal occupation of Tennessee, he was not inaugurated. A co-founder of Cumberland University, he served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1835 to 1837; the U.S. House of Representatives from 1841 to 1843; the State Supreme Court from 1852-1861; and the Confederate Congress from 1861 to 1863. Built by Caruthers in 1828 in the Greek Revival style, but later altered, this was his home until he died in 1882.

3A Caruthers Hall 104
Cumberland University School of Law, 1847-1962, was housed at this site from 1877 until 1962. For many years it was the largest law school in the United States. Graduates included U.S. Supreme Court Justices Horace Lurton and Howell E. Jackson: Secretary of State Cordell Hull; ten governors, ten United States Senators; and seventy-five United States Representatives.

3A Judge Nathan Green Sr 103
This house was built by Judge Green, the father of equity jurisprudence in the state, who sat for twenty-one years in the Tennessee State Supreme Court. In 1852 he became a professor of Law at Cumberland University. Before settling in Lebanon, he served in the War of 1812, was a senator in the General Assembly in 1826, and held the post of chancellor of East Tennessee in 1827. Judge Green died here in 1866.

3A Castle Heights Military Academy 52
Castle Heights School was founded in 1902 by David E. Mitchell and I.W.P.  Buchanan. The early headmaster
was Buchanan, L.L. Rice, and O.N. Smith In 1914 the school became a military academy. Acquired by the McFadden Foundation in 1928, it has been an ROTC unit and an honor military school ever since 

Castle Heights Military Academy

The Mitchell House and Sigma Pi Fraternity International were founded in 1897

HISTORY OF THE MITCHELL HOUSE

Built-in 1910 as the home of Dr. David Mitchell and his family, the Mitchell House has also served as a school and office building.  Once the Mitchell family left the home, it sat dormant for several years before being purchased by Castle Heights Military Academy and used as the junior school from 1936 to 1986.

In 1998, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. purchased the Mitchell Home and began restoration. Cracker Barrel founder Danny Evins was a graduate of Castle Heights Military Academy and later served as chairman of its board of directors while his son attended the school. Evins and others wanted to return the establishment to its grandeur of the early 1900s.

Through the restoration efforts of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., the Mitchell House is listed as a historic landmark on both the State of Tennessee registry and the National Register of Historic Places. 

In Lebanon, we saw the Mitchel House, Castle Heights Military Academy, Cedar Grove Cemetery A Final Resting Place, The Mill, the restoration of Picketts Church, Lebanon Station, Cumberland University, Neddy Jacobs Cabin,  Judge Nathan Green Sr marker,  Robert Looney Caruthers 1800-1882  marker, Capitol Theater, Lebanon Post Office, battle of Lebanon, Lebanon Morgan's Defeat,  Confederate General Robert Hatton of the 7th TN Infantry standing in the middle of the town square and numerous of sites of Lebanon.