Rose Mont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Rosemont
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 810 S. Water St., Gallatin, Tennessee |
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| Built | 1842 |
| Architect | Josephus Conn Guild |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002641 |
| Added to NRHP | April 26, 1978 |
Rose Mont is a beautiful old house located in Gallatin, Sumner County, Tennessee, United States. It was built by Judge Josephus Conn Guild for his family and finished in 1842. This house is special because of its unique Greek Revival architectural style. Rose Mont was once part of a very large farm, covering about 500 acres, where fast thoroughbred horses were raised.
Today, Rose Mont is recognized as a historic landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1993, the City of Gallatin and the Rose Mont Restoration Foundation bought the property. Now, the house is open to the public, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore its history.
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The Story of Rose Mont
Rose Mont was built by Judge Josephus Conn Guild (1802–1883) for his family. Construction began in 1836 and was completed in 1842. Interestingly, all the materials used to build the house were found right on the property itself.
A Unique Architectural Style
The design of Rose Mont is a blend of two main styles: Greek Revival and Palladian. These styles were quite unusual for homes in Middle Tennessee during that time. Most houses in the area were built in the Federal or Georgian styles. These often had a simple front entrance hall with a staircase.
Judge Guild chose a different path for Rose Mont. He was inspired by the Creole-style houses he saw during his many trips to Louisiana. Creole elements you can see at Rose Mont include:
- Using covered walkways called loggias and long porches called galleries to connect different parts of the house.
- Having wide porches.
- Featuring open-air halls and staircases.
- Using large windows.
- Building a raised basement.
- Having an over-hanging roof.
The front of the house also shows the influence of a famous Italian architect named Andrea Palladio. His designs inspired many large homes in the southern United States during the mid-1800s.
Why the Name Rose Mont?
Rose Mont faces the east. This smart design choice helps keep the main parlor (a formal living room) cooler in the summer. The hot afternoon sun never shines directly on it. The house got its name from a beautiful and large rose garden. Judge Guild's wife, Catherine Blackmore Guild (1803–1875), lovingly cared for this garden on the north side of their home.
From Farm to Historic Site
In its early years, Rose Mont was the center of a large, active farm. This farm covered about 500 acres. It was known for raising fast thoroughbred horses and sturdy longhorn cattle.
In 1978, Rose Mont was officially recognized for its historical importance. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Members of the Guild family lived in the house from the time it was built until 1993. That year, the City of Gallatin and the Rose Mont Restoration Foundation bought the property.
Today, Rose Mont is open for guided tours from April 15 through October 31, Tuesdays through Saturdays. The mansion and its reception hall can also be rented for special events.
