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, also known as the Polk-Granberry House, is a historic estate located in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee. At its heart is a large, beautiful mansion built in the mid-1840s. This mansion is a fantastic example of Greek Revival architecture, a popular building style at the time, in Tennessee.
The estate was named a National Historic Landmark in 1971. This honor recognizes its amazing architecture and its connection to the important Polk family. The Polks were once one of the biggest landowners in eastern Tennessee. Today, the house is privately owned, but you might be able to visit by making an appointment.
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About Rattle and Snap
Rattle and Snap is found on the south side of Andrew Jackson Highway. This road is also known as Tennessee State Route 243. The estate sits between the towns of Mount Pleasant and Columbia. It is right on the eastern edge of Mount Pleasant. The property is quite large, covering more than 500 acres (200 ha).
The Mansion's Design
The main house is a big, two-story building made of brick. It has a low, flat roof that slopes slightly. The house is shaped like the letter "L." The front of the house has a long, grand porch with columns. This porch has two levels and is covered in stucco, which makes the brick look smooth.
The middle part of the porch looks like a Greek temple. It has four large columns and a triangular roof section above them. This part sticks out from the rest of the porch. On either side of this central part are more pairs of columns. Inside the house, you can still see beautiful wooden details and plaster decorations. These designs also follow the Greek Revival style.
History of Rattle and Snap
The Rattle and Snap mansion was built in 1845. It was constructed for George Washington Polk (1817-1892). George was one of the sons of Colonel William Polk. He was also related to President James K. Polk. George's father, William Polk, was from North Carolina. He was an officer in the American Revolutionary War. In 1784, he became the official surveyor-general for Middle Tennessee.
The estate was originally much larger, covering 5,648 acres (2,286 ha). Rattle and Snap was built by many workers, some of whom were enslaved. It became the biggest and most impressive mansion in Maury County. George Polk and his family lived in the mansion for fifteen years. They sold it in 1867 to Joseph Granberry. The Granberry family owned the property until about 1920. They called it "Oakwood Hall."
Surviving the Civil War
During the American Civil War, many large homes in the South were damaged or destroyed. Union soldiers often looted or burned them. However, Rattle and Snap survived. People say it was saved because of a special reason. The main Union Army officer was a Freemason. He saw George Polk's Masonic ring in his formal portrait. Because they were both Freemasons, the officer decided 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 more than fifty years.
How it Got its Name
The name "Rattle and Snap" has an interesting story. It is said that the land where the mansion stands was won in a game of chance. George Polk's family supposedly won the land from the Governor of North Carolina. The game they played was called 'Rattle and Snap'.
In 1971, Rattle and Snap was officially recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Images for kids
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Rattle and Snap in 1971
