Built in 1850 s a home for Joseph and Adelicia Acklen. The heart of the mansion revolves around the life of Adelicia. She was the daughter of a prominent Nashville family. Her teenage sweetheart and first fiance died before they could marry. At 22, she married Isaac Franklin, a 50-year-old wealthy bachelor. They had four children, but none survived to the age of twelve. In fact, Isaac died just seven years after they were married, leaving Adelicia one of the wealthiest women in the nation.
 
In 1849 Adelicia married Joseph Acklen and they built Belle Monte, or Belmont, as their summer escape from the heat of their main home in Louisiana. Belmont included the 19,000 square foot home, a zoo, aviary, lake, art gallery, conservatories and more. Adelicia and Joseph had six children, but lost twins to scarlet fever. When the Civil War came and Nashville fell to Union forces, Joseph had to flee to the Acklen's Louisiana plantation. While there, he died. Once again, Adelicia was on her own, but this time with four children depending on her. She managed to play Union and Confederate officials against each other and got permission to export more than 2,000 bales of hay to England in exchange for nearly $1 million. During the Battle of Nashville, Belle Meade Mansion served as the headquarters for Union General T. J. Wood.
 
After the war, Adelicia took her four children and traveled to Europe where she increased her impressive art collection. Toward the end of her life, Adelicia decided to move to Washington, D.C. and began to sell off all of her property. During a visit to New York in 1887, 70-year-old Adelicia fell ill and died at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. She is buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, TN.
 
The same year Adelicia died, Belmont Mansion was sold and became the main buidling for the Belmont Junior College for Girls. That college eventually grew into the current Belmont University. Today, the mansion is still owned by the University. It is a tourist destination and is also used for community events, weddings and special events.
 
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Last tour of the day begins at 3:15 pm. Closed all major holidays.
 
Admission: Adults: $10.00 Senior (60+): $9.00 Children (6-12): $3.00 AAA discount available.
 
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Here are some items that might enhance your visit to this historic site