FERGUSON HALL/MARTIN CHEAIRS HOUSE

Ferguson Hall was built by the Cheairs family. It is said to be the sister house of Rippavilla. It was completed in 1853. During the Civil War, it served as headquarters for Confederate Gen Earl Van Dorm during his retreat form the Battle of Murfreesboro. Although few details exist, it seems the Van Dorm had an affair with the wife of local doctor George Peters. When Dr. Peters became aware of the rumors, he waited at the house of Van Dorn. The result of their encounter was the death of Van Dorn and the escape of Dr. Peters. Later, his action was said to be a justifiable act and he was never prosecuted.

The Ferguson Hall is also known as the "Martin Cheairs House" (or Chairs House as it is sometimes spelled) after its builder, Martin Cheairs. It is located in Spring Hill, TN on the campus of the Tennessee Children's Home on the east side of HWY 31.

HAYNES HAVEN FARM - Spring Hill

Haynes Haven Farm, aka GM Welcome Center, is located south of Spring Hill on the west side of HWY 31. It was built in 1930 on the site of an older house which burned. Strictly speaking it is not the Welcome Center but it is on the same site and it is more visible from the road than the actual center.

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH - SPRING HILL

Grace Episcopal Church in Spring Hill is located at the intersection of Main (HWY 31) and Beechcroft Rd (HWY 247). Grace Episcopal was established in 1878. The building is a lovely structure that gives a sense of peace and tranquility in a very busy intersection. The architectural style is Carpenter Gothic/Rural Gothic used in many churches of that era. The church boasts a very beautiful stained glass window dedicated the H. B. Estes.

2012 MAURY COUNTY FAIR

With the disappearance of so many family farms, county fairs have suffered. The Maury County Fair is no exception. I went on Wednesday and there is naturally few people. I went back on Saturday and the place was full. Nevertheless, there was not livestock or garden or any of those "blue ribbon" type events or they were finished just one day after the opening. There were 4-H type displays but only pictures of the animals. I don't mean to be down on the Fair. The people who were there and I were having a lot of fun.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF COLUMBIA, TN

The First United Methodist Church of Columbia is located at 222 West 7th Street just two blocks from the Courthouse. Their history goes back to the beginning of Maury County. The first minister came in 1818 and served Franklin and Columbia. The Church was then located on Main Street near Ninth. In 1836 they moved to the current location. This "new" building burned in 1874. It was replaced with the current one in 1876.

First United Methodist Church of Columbia, TN website

TRIP TO CENTERVILLE

While Centerville is not in Maury County, these pictures are. They were taken during a trip along Highway 7 and are mostly in the Fry/Watervalley area.

JOHN NEWTON WOODY MEMORIAL BRIDGE

Many of the bridges on HWY 7 are original to the road. That means, they are not that old. However, the John Newton Woody Memorial Bridge is not an original. They build the road over a spring without taking into account the possibility of the water undermining the road!  The road was closed for many months as this new bridge was built. Now that it is done, it is obvious to even an amateur that once again they underestimate the power of water. The ground under the bridge continues to slide down the valley.

LEIPERS CREEK ROAD/HAY HOLLOW ROAD

Leipers Creek old bridge footings. 

FLY'S STORE

NEET'S COUNTRY STORE AND DELI

ST PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, COLUMBIA

St Peter's Episcopal Church in Columbia was the second Episcopal Church in Tennessee. It was organized in 1828. The current sanctuary was completed in 1871. During the Civil War, it served as Union headquarters during the siege of Columbia.

JAMES K POLK ANCESTRAL HOME

James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States of America. His father built the house when James was away in college. After graduation, he lived with his parents for a about 6 years until he married. The property included in the current museum also includes a second house know as Sister's House because his sisters occasionally lived there. There is a fee you visit the inside of the houses.

James Knox Polk Ancestral Home 

Sidewalk Next to the House

 The Sister's House

Garden Area

Stained Glass Window at

First Methodist Church Featuring James K Polk

THE ATHENAEUM RECTORY

The Athenaeum was built in 1935 for future President of the United States, James K. Polk's nephew, Samuel Polk Walker.  Nevertheless, it was first occupied in 1837 by the Rev. Frank C. Smith, rector of the Columbia Institute, an Episcopal school for girls. In 1852, the name was changed to Columbia Athenaeum. In days when few girls had many education options, the Athenaeum attracted students from all over the country. The school functioned until 1904.

The building is an example of Moorish Gothic Architecture... the only building of its kind in middle Tennessee.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, COLUMBIA, TN

First Presbyterian Church is the oldest Christian Church in Columbia. It was organized in 1811. The first two buildings were located on the corner of Garden Street and West 6th Street, I believe where the current Regions Bank is. After they burned, the congregation decided to relocate to its current location at the Southeastern corner of High Street and 7th West Street. The current building was dedicated in 1916. Mrs James K Polk belonged to this church at one time. I took a walk downtown Sunday morning before anyone was there. It is a fascinating building with many interesting architectural details. One of the most interesting is the dome. There are very few, if any, protestant churches in the area with this feature.

First Presbyterian Church, Columbia website

COLUMBIA OLD UNION STATION

As with many cities in the United States, Columbia used to have a train passenger service. The old depot still exists. It is located on the to the west of HWY 31. The easiest way to find it is to turn west of the highway onto 7th Street (away from the Count House). At the next street,  High Street, turn left (South) and go until the street ends at Depot Street. Turn left and the Depot will be on your right. It still looks sound although the windows are broken and boarded. Freight trains of the Tennessee Southern Railway still use the rails.

The station was build in 1905 and operated until and was part of the Louisville & Nashville and Duck River Valley Narrow Gauge Railroad (L&N). The station was abandoned in 1945. The line itself still serves for goods transportation.

MAURY COUNTY COURTHOUSE

This building is the 5th building to serve as the county's courthouse. It was built in 1904 after the 4th needed replaced. It was remodeled in 1999.

Maury County Convetion and Visitor Bureau