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