Elm Springs (house) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Elm Springs
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Elm Springs
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Columbia, Tennessee |
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| 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 two-story brick house built in 1837. It was designed in the Greek Revival style, which means it looks like ancient Greek temples. The house is located just outside Columbia, Tennessee, in the United States.
In 1986, Elm Springs was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Since 1992, the house has been the main office for the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a group that honors the history of Confederate soldiers.
Contents
History of Elm Springs
Building the House
Elm Springs was built in 1837 by two wealthy brothers, James and Nathaniel Dick. They were cotton merchants from New Orleans. They built the house as a gift for their sister, Sarah Todd, and her husband, Christopher Todd. Sarah and Christopher lived in Elm Springs for the rest of their lives. After they passed away, their daughter, Susan Todd, inherited the property. Susan was married to Abraham M. Looney, a well-known lawyer and a state senator in Tennessee.
Elm Springs During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Abraham M. Looney supported the Southern states. He joined the Confederate States Army and became a captain. He led a group of soldiers called Company H, 1st Tennessee Infantry. Later, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
In November 1864, Confederate soldiers began marching north toward Nashville. This was part of a big battle called the Franklin-Nashville Campaign. The Union Army had been in Maury County for several months. They were getting ready to defend against the Confederate troops. As the Union soldiers left Columbia, they started burning important buildings. This was a war tactic to stop the enemy from using them. Many old homes in Maury County were destroyed.
Elm Springs was at one end of the Union defense line. It was planned to be burned down as the last Union soldiers left Columbia. However, local people asked for help. A Confederate general named Frank Crawford Armstrong sent a group of soldiers to protect Lieutenant Colonel Looney's home. These Confederate troops arrived and put out the fires they found. This saved Elm Springs from being destroyed.
Later Owners and New Uses
Around 1910, the Akin family bought Elm Springs. In 1985, the Gillham family purchased the house and worked to restore it. They made it look almost like it did when it was first built. On March 4, 1946, Howard Blocker and his wife, Rebecca T. Blocker, bought the estate. Howard Blocker owned a paving company and was an important person in Columbia. After Howard Blocker died, Rebecca Blocker owned 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 house. For a while, these two groups worked together and published a magazine called Confederate Veteran. However, in late 2005, the groups had disagreements and separated. The Military Order of the Stars and Bars then moved to Daphne, Alabama.
