Built
before 1854 by Dr. John Haddox. The house was sold to Martin
Cheairs. Nathaniel Cheairs used it for ideas in building
Rippavilla, just down the road. Both Greek Revival homes have
white-columned entrances that face north and west. The ceilings
are 12 to 14 feet high. A suspended circular stairway, made of
cherry wood is a prominent feature of the main entrance. Martin
Cheairs died in 1891. In 1905 the Spring Hill Male college bought
the house and 57 acres. Later the Branham and Hughes Academy made
additions to the house to accommodate boarding students. At
this time the house became known as "Ferguson Hall," a name that still
is in use. In 1936 the Tennessee Orphan's Home bought the academy
and moved the orphanage from Columbia to Spring Hill. Today the
Tennessee Children's Home has its main office on the grounds. The
beautiful old antebellum home is being opened to the public for the
first time in its history. The mansion
is on the National Register of Historic Places.
During the
Civil War, General Van Dorn was shot and killed in this house by an
irate husband, Dr. George B. Peters after the General evidently had an affair with Mrs. Jessie McKissack Peters.
A vivid description of the room exists as does a fully documented
account of Dr. Peter's version of the murder. The room is being
refurbished as close as possible to the way it was when General Van Horn
was murdered.
Hours:
Mon.-Sat. 10 am -5 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm; last tours at 4 pm. Length of
tour: 1 hour (mansion tour only);
Rates: rates
available for groups of 10 or more; special rates also available for
children (6-12).
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