Nineteenth Century Farmstead
As
a common fixture on the 19th century landscape, the family
farmstead was at the heart of rural existence during that era.
Families toiled on the farm growing a wide assortment of staple
crops to meet their day-to-day needs and cotton which was
utilized both on the farm and sold as a cash crop. The family
farm of the anti-bellum period was characterized by its small
acreage and subsistence lifestyle.
The Ames Plantation’s replica 19th century farmstead consists of
a collection of log structures, relocated from the Ames
Plantation land
base
as well from the surrounding countryside. The assembly of
buildings, including a dogtrot cabin, smoke house, corn crib,
barn, two slave quarters, and a blacksmith shop, are arranged
and furnished in a fashion typical of an 1840's/1850's
southwestern Tennessee family farmstead. Its purpose is to
preserve these representative examples of the regions 19th
century architecture while serving as an educational facility
for local school children. As a destination for school field
trips, students receive details of local history, as well as
steps that everyone can take to help preserve our cultural
heritage.
The Farmstead is currently open for visits by appointment. If
you, or your group, would like to arrange for a tour of the
facility call (901) 878-1067 for details. School groups are
welcome!