Belle Mont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Belle Mont
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Belle Mont in 2010
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 Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Tuscumbia, Alabama |
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| Area | 5.5 acres (2.2 ha) |
| Built | 1828 |
| Architectural style | Jeffersonian |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002003 |
| Added to NRHP | February 23, 1982 |
Belle Mont is a historic house near Tuscumbia, Alabama. It is a great example of Jeffersonian architecture. This style was inspired by Thomas Jefferson, an early president of the United States. Belle Mont was built as a large farm house, also known as a plantation house. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 23, 1982. This was because of its important architectural design.
History of Belle Mont
Belle Mont was built between 1828 and 1832. It was made for Dr. Alexander W. Mitchell. He was from Virginia. Dr. Mitchell studied at the University of Edinburgh. He was one of the first big farmers in the area.
In 1833, Dr. Mitchell sold the large farm, which was about 1,680-acre (680 ha). He sold it to Isaac Winston, who was also from Virginia. The Winston family owned Belle Mont until 1941.
Later, in 1983, the house and 33 acres (13 ha) of land were given to the Alabama Historical Commission. Since then, the house has been slowly restored. Today, Belle Mont is a historic house museum. This means people can visit it to learn about its history.
Architecture of Belle Mont
Experts who study buildings think Belle Mont clearly shows the ideas of Thomas Jefferson. His ideas influenced many buildings in the early United States. Belle Mont is one of the few examples of Jeffersonian architecture left in the Deep South.
The house is built with red bricks. It has a main section that is two stories tall and raised up. On each side, there are one-story wings. These side wings extend backward in a U-shape. This creates a private courtyard at the back of the house.
See also
