Maury
County, Tennessee
Maury County is rich in history and most fortunate to be the Antebellum
Homes Capital of Tennessee. We love to show off our beautiful homes
during our three annual pilgrimages. These pilgrimages are all self-guided
with hostesses at each site. Maps are provided with detailed directions.
We welcome individuals and tour groups.
The commercial historic district, in the heart of Columbia, boasts
a magnificently restored courthouse and a town square revitalized
in recent years with many unique shops, antique stores and restaurants.
A land of quiet beauty. Man has enhanced nature's handiwork with
many things to tempt the eager eye: historic churches, white fenced
pastures, moss strewn rock walls, and antebellum mansions. Spend
the time to enjoy Maury County's ready welcome.
ATTRACTIONS:
ATHENAEUM Located at 808 Athenaeum St., Columbia, TN. Built
in 1835 it served as the rectory for an elegant finishing school
for girls. Open for Tours T- S, 10 - 4, Sun., 1 - 4, Feb. - 3rd
week of Dec. Admission Charged. For information, call 931.381.4822.
JAMES K. POLK HOME Home of the 11th president of the United
States. Built back in 1816. Tour the entire home and beautiful gardens.
Admission charged. Open M-Sat., April-Oct. 9-5, Nov.-Mar. 9-4, Open
Sun. 1-5. Special rates for groups of 10 or more. 301-305 W 7th
St., Columbia. 931-388-2354. http://www.jameskpolk.com
ELM SPRINGS Elm Springs is a fine example of a Greek Revival
mansion built in 1837. On the Register of Historic Places, Elm Springs
is today the national headquarters of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Admission charged. Group rates available. Open Tues.- Fri. 9-5,
Sat. 11-4. 740 Mooresville Pike, Columbia. 931-380-1844.
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH Located on Hwy 243, just inside the city
limits of Mt. Pleasant. Listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. One of the most historic graveyards in Tennessee holds the
graves of slave and master, Civil War Privates and Generals, and
Episcopal faithful and their Bishops.
RIPPAVILLA PLANTATION Rippavilla was the site of General
Hood's breakfast with his commanding officers prior to the ill fated
Battle of Franklin. Built for Nathaniel Cheairs in 1852. Listed
on the National Register. Located at 5700 Main Street, Spring Hill.
931-486-9037. Admission charged. Open M-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 1-5. Last
tour begins at 4:00 pm.
TENNESSEE MUSEUM OF EARLY FARM LIFE Located behind Rippavilla
Plantation, US Hwy. 31. More than 500 items are on display, many
dating to the early 1800's. The majority are from Tennessee but
visitors from other states are also contributing items often unique
to their area. Open Thurs.-Sat. 9-4. Admission charged. 931-486-9037.
FERGUSON HALL Located at 5350 Main St., Spring Hill. A handsome
plantation home most noted for an incident that transpired there
in 1863. Confederate General Earl Van Dorn was shot dead by a jealous
husband. Tours by appointment.
MAURY COUNTY ARCHIVES Records back to 1808 - One of the
only County Archives in the State to have records going back to
its founding in 1808. In the stacks can be found genealogy records
for family's with-in Maury County, many in surrounding Counties
and throughout Tennessee. Located on E 6th St., Columbia. 931-375-1501.
SOUTH CENTRAL TN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 815 S. Main St., Columbia,
TN 38401. 931-381-2040. http://www.sctdd.org
Jerry Mansfield, Executive Director.
MT. PLEASANT MAURY COUNTY PHOSPHATE MUSEUM Take a tour of
the past and see Native American artifacts, Civil War memorabilia,
antique farm implements, articles in common use in homes from the
late 1800's to early 1900, fossils, and phosphate artifacts. Four
special events/exhibits yearly. Located on the square in Mt. Pleasant.
KEG SPRINGS WINERY Nestled deep in the Tennessee hills,
halfway between Columbia and historic Hohenwald, Keg Springs Winery
is a lovely place to see. As you wind your way through some of the
most beautiful scenery in Tennessee, you will find the drive alone
worth the trip. Hours: W-F 12-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5. 931-285-0589.
COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Located on Hampshire Pike,
Columbia, TN 38401. Phone (931) 540-2722. A two-year college serving
a nine-county area. Several allied health programs, forty-three
career targeted majors and pre-professional programs available.
RIVER RAT'S CANOE RENTAL Located on 4361 Hwy. 431 S., Columbia.
Phone (931) 381-2278. Canoe trips on the Duck River - 5 to 29 miles.
Group rates available. www.riverratcanoe.com.
THE TENNESSEE PADDLER canoe and kayak trips on the Duck
River and Buffalo River. We offer primitive camping and cabin rentals.
Also available: hiking, caving and paddling instructions. Yanahli
Kayak & Canoe Co. - 931-215-4891 and Buffalo Buds - 931-379-4404.
www.tennesseepaddler.com
