Elm Springs (house) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Elm Springs
|
|
Elm Springs
|
|
 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Columbia, Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Area | 7 acres (2.8 ha) |
| Built | 1837 |
| Architect | Nathan Vaught |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86000402 |
| Added to NRHP | March 13, 1986 |
Elm Springs is a beautiful old house in Columbia, Tennessee. It was built in 1837. The house has two stories and is made of brick. It was designed in a style called Greek Revival. This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek temples. In 1986, Elm Springs became a special historic place. Since 1992, it has been the main office for a group called the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Contents
The Story of Elm Springs
Building a Home in 1837
Elm Springs was built in 1837. Two brothers, James and Nathaniel Dick, had it built. They were rich cotton merchants from New Orleans. They gave the house as a gift to their sister, Sarah Todd. Sarah and her husband, Christopher Todd, lived in Elm Springs for their whole lives.
After Sarah and Christopher passed away, their daughter, Susan Todd, inherited the house. Susan was married to Abraham M. Looney. He was an important lawyer in Maury County. He also served as a Tennessee State Senator. This means he helped make laws for the state.
Elm Springs During the Civil War
The American Civil War took place from 1861 to 1865. Abraham Looney was a strong supporter of the Southern states. He joined the Confederate States Army. He became a captain and led a group of soldiers. Later, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
In November 1864, Confederate soldiers marched north. They were heading towards Nashville. This was part of a big battle plan called the Franklin-Nashville Campaign. The Union Army had been in Maury County for months. They were getting ready to defend against the Confederates.
Union soldiers started to leave Columbia. As they left, they burned important buildings. This was a war tactic to stop the enemy. Many old homes in the area were destroyed. Elm Springs was in the path of this destruction. It was planned to be burned down.
But something amazing happened. Local people begged for the house to be saved. A Confederate general, Frank Crawford Armstrong, sent soldiers. These soldiers rode quickly to Elm Springs. They found fires starting at the house. The Confederate troops put out the flames. This saved Elm Springs from being destroyed.
New Owners and a New Purpose
Around 1910, the Akin family bought Elm Springs. Later, in 1985, the Gillham family purchased it. They worked hard to restore the house. They made it look almost exactly as it did when it was first built.
In 1946, Mr. Howard Blocker and his wife, Rebecca T. Blocker, bought the estate. Mr. Blocker owned a paving company in Columbia. He was a well-known person in the city. After Mr. Blocker passed away, Mrs. Blocker kept the home until the 1970s.
In 1992, Elm Springs became the main office for the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Another group, the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, also shared the building. They even published a magazine together. However, in 2005, the groups separated. The Military Order of the Stars and Bars moved to Alabama. Elm Springs remains the headquarters for the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
