HAYNES HAVEN FARM

HAYNES HAVEN FARM

 Haynes Haven Farm aka GM Welcome Center, is located south of Spring Hill on the west side of HWY 31. It was established in the mid 1930's by W. M. Tolley who used it as a breading farm for trotters and pacers. The farm was purchase by John L. Haynes. Col Haynes in the mid-1930s and who built the current house in 1938. 

The previous house on that location was known as Woodlawn.  It was named by Dr Spivey McKissack, first mayor of Spring Hill. He named it Woodlawn because of the large trees that filled the lawn. The trees were destroyed by a tornado in 1875.

Col Haynes continued to use the farm to bread horses until his death. 

After being owned by several notable families, the house was sold in the mid-1980s to General Motors. They converted the old stables into their Saturn Welcome Center. 

Source: Maury County Historical Society

RITTER-MORTON HOUSE

The Ritter-Morton House is a very beautiful cottage-type house located at in Spring Hill at the corner of School Street and Mclemons Ave. Its architectural type is officially listed as "Carpenter Gothic". It is also known as "The Kissing House". It is a couple of block north of the Kentucky Home for Christen. It was built in the 1870's. I have looked for more information but have been unable to locate anything.

WHITE HALL

White Hall is a house located east if US 31 on Duplex Road, Spring Hill, TN. It was built in 1844 by Dr. Aaron White. During the Civil War it was the headquarters of General Earl Van Dom (CAS). Later is served as a hospital serving Confederate and Union soldier. The house is still there and in great condition. It was here the Van Dorn started an affair with Mrs White, wife of Doctor George Peters that eventual resulted in the death of the General.

Sources: 

1. Maury County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

2. A Guide To Points of Interest in Maury County, TN by Jill K. Garrett and Virginia W Alexander

RIPPAVILLA PLANTATION

Arguably, Rippavilla is the most identifiable house or building in Maury County. Located on the major highway between Columbia and Spring Hill (and points north), thousands of people pass it every day. It also attackers many visitors because it is now a museum which exhibits items from the Civil War era.

Rippavilla was built during the 1850's by Nathaniel F. Chearis for himself and his family. The house is located on the south side of Spring Hill on the east side High Way 31 (Nashville Road) just within the city limits.

The outside is just as interesting as the inside. Located on a large and still active farm, it too displays many Civil War items. Built on land that was occupied during the War between the State, it is the focus on many events during the year.

Rippavilla is also along the road that the Union Army of Maj General John M. Schofield passed by the Confederate Army on the night of Nov 29, 1864. It was at Rippavilla that General Hood met with his staff for breakfast the next morning. It was a very heated meeting that resulted in the decision to move on the Franklin to engage the Union Army in Franklin. Many of those around that table died later that day in the Battle of Franklin.

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.