Rattle and Snap facts for kids
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Rattle and Snap
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Rattle and Snap in 1971
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1522 North Main St., Mount Pleasant, Tennessee |
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| Area | 519 acres (210 ha) |
| Built | 1845 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000825 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 11, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | November 11, 1971 |
Rattle and Snap is a historic estate located in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee. It is also known as the Polk-Granberry House or Oakwood Hall. Its main building is a large mansion built in the mid-1840s. It is a great example of Greek Revival architecture in Tennessee.
Because of its beautiful architecture and its connection to the important Polk family, it became a National Historic Landmark in 1971. The Polk family was once one of the biggest landowners in eastern Tennessee. The house is privately owned, but you might be able to visit by making an appointment.
Contents
About Rattle and Snap
Rattle and Snap is found on the south side of Andrew Jackson Highway. This highway is also known as Tennessee State Route 243. The estate is located between the towns of Mount Pleasant and Columbia. It sits right at the eastern edge of Mount Pleasant.
The Estate's Size
Today, the Rattle and Snap estate covers more than 500 acres (about 200 hectares). This large area includes the main house and its surrounding land.
The Mansion's Design
The main mansion is a big, two-story building made of brick. It has a low, sloped roof. The house is shaped like the letter "L." Its long front side has a grand, two-story row of columns. The brick is covered with a smooth finish called stucco.
The middle part of the columns forms a classic Greek temple style. It has four columns and a triangular roof section above them. This part sticks out from the rest of the house. There are more columns on either side and behind this main section. Inside, the house has beautiful wooden details and plaster decorations. These designs are all in the Greek Revival style.
History of the Estate
The Rattle and Snap mansion was built in 1845. It was built by George Washington Polk. He was a son of Colonel William Polk. He was also a relative of President James K. Polk.
The Polk Family's Beginnings
George's father, Colonel William Polk, was from North Carolina. He was an officer in the American Revolutionary War. In 1784, he was chosen to survey land in the Middle District of Tennessee. The original estate was very large, covering about 5,648 acres (over 2,200 hectares).
Building the Mansion
Rattle and Snap was built using the labor of enslaved people. It became the largest and most impressive mansion in Maury County. George Polk and his family lived in this grand house for 15 years.
New Owners and a New Name
In 1867, the Polk family sold the estate to Joseph Granberry. The Granberry family owned the property for about 50 years. During their time, they called the estate "Oakwood Hall."
Surviving the Civil War
During the American Civil War, many large homes in the South were damaged or destroyed. However, Rattle and Snap survived. It is said that a high-ranking Union Army officer saw George Polk's Masonic ring in his portrait. Because the officer was also a Freemason, he supposedly ordered his soldiers not to harm the home.
After the war, the Polk family faced financial difficulties. They could no longer afford the land or the mansion. So, Rattle and Snap was sold to Joseph John Granbery in 1867. The Granbery family lived in the mansion for over 50 years.
How it Got its Name
The estate is said to have gotten its unique name from a game. The story goes that the land was won from the Governor of North Carolina in a game of chance. The game was called 'Rattle and Snap'.
Becoming a Landmark
In 1971, Rattle and Snap was officially recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a place of great historical importance in the United States.
See also
- Hamilton Place (Columbia, Tennessee)
- Ashwood Hall
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Tennessee
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Maury County, Tennessee
