Skipwith Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Skipwith Hall
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Skipwith Hall
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | Columbia, Tennessee, U.S. |
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| Area | 13 acres (5.3 ha) |
| Built | 1815-1816 |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001283 |
| Added to NRHP | November 23, 1978 |
Skipwith Hall, also known as Oakwood Farm, is a beautiful old house in Maury County, Tennessee, USA. It is a historic mansion that has stood for over 200 years. This grand home has a rich history, from its early owners to its unique design.
Contents
The Story of Skipwith Hall
How the Land Was Settled
The land where Skipwith Hall stands today was first given by George Washington, one of America's founding fathers, to Nathanael Greene in 1807. Greene allowed his brother-in-law, Captain William Littlefield, to live on the land.
Later, William Littlefield's son, Edward B. Littlefield, married Cornelia Lott Greene. Cornelia was Nathanael Greene's daughter. Edward and Cornelia decided to build a large house for their farm.
Building the Mansion
The main house was built from timber between 1815 and 1816. It became the home of Edward Littlefield and his wife Cornelia. This house was special because it had the very first piano in all of Maury County!
New Owners and a New Name
Edward Littlefield later became a senator in Tennessee. When he moved to Nashville for his political work, he left the mansion to his stepsons, George Greene Skipwith and Peyton Horatio Skipwith. They officially inherited the house in 1836.
By 1849, George Skipwith transferred the property to the Planters Bank through a special agreement. Soon after, the bank sold the house to Benjamin Harlan.
Harlan renamed the property Oakwood Farm. He turned it into a successful farm that raised animals like cattle and horses. He even brought animals from Spain to sell them in the southern United States.
Redesigning the House
Benjamin Harlan also hired an architect named Nathan Vaught to redesign the mansion. Vaught added six tall white pillars and a large porch, making the house even more impressive.
The property stayed in the Harlan family for many years. Harlan's descendants still owned the mansion in the 1970s.
Why This House is Special
Skipwith Hall is important because of its history and its beautiful design. It has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places since November 23, 1978. This means it is recognized as a significant historic place in the United States.
