History & Exhibits

The Harding Cabin is one of Nashville’s oldest surviving structures, with its eastern side likely constructed by the Dunham family in the late 1700s. When John Harding purchased land here in 1807, he brought several enslaved individuals with him to work on his new estate — and it was that same year he commissioned the western addition to the cabin, connected by a traditional dogtrot breezeway. The eastern interior has been interpreted to reflect domestic life in an early 19th century Tennessee frontier home, offering visitors a glimpse into the property’s earliest years. The western side honors the life of Robert Green, a man who was enslaved at Belle Meade and after emancipation, chose to remain and eventually became head hostler, managing the care of the thoroughbreds on the farm. Robert died in 1906 and would be known internationally for his talents in the thoroughbred breeding industry. Together, the two rooms of the Harding Cabin tell a layered story of the people whose lives shaped Belle Meade, and whose legacies we are committed to honoring through continued research and storytelling.

The Journey to Jubilee Cabin, while not original to Belle Meade, was generously donated and dates to the 1830s, representing the type of structure that would have stood on this property during its years of operation. By 1860, 136 individuals were enslaved at Belle Meade, and cabins similar to this one would have been home to the men, women, and children whose labor was central to every aspect of the estate. Inside, visitors are invited to engage with the stories of those who lived and worked here. A list of named individuals is displayed, reflecting years of dedicated research drawn from primary and secondary sources to ensure that as many people as possible are remembered by name. Visitors can also view a recorded interview with Emma Bragg, a descendant of Susannah Carter, whose family’s oral history has been vital to understanding the lives of those connected to Belle Meade. An interactive display of primary source documentation invites guests to engage directly with the historical record, grounding these stories in real evidence. Our mission is to not only acknowledge their experiences but also provide a space for reflection and connection to these individuals.