Middle Tennessee’s Western Iron District was the largest southern charcoal iron producer during the antebellum period. Limitless high quality ore and skilled enslaved laborers gave Tennessee ironmasters a competitive advantage in the national marketplace. The region’s river system (including both the Tennessee and Cumberland river watersheds) provided an economical way to convey heavy materials and […]
Portrait of Sarah Polk in Mourning Attire | Shades of Gray and Blue
Holding Fast to Beauty Sarah Polk A website co-sponsored by Vanderbilt University Libraries, Middle Tennessee State University Walker Library, and the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation, with generous support from the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area.
Sara Carter Gaut | Shades of Gray and Blue
Taking Care of Business Adelicia Acklen A website co-sponsored by Vanderbilt University Libraries, Middle Tennessee State University Walker Library, and the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation, with generous support from the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area.
Richard Poyner | Shades of Gray and Blue
Richard Poyner (1802-1882) was born into slavery in Halifax County, Virginia. He settled in Williamson County, Tennessee, in 1816 with his master, Robert Poyner. When his owner died in 1848, Richard was valued at $450. After purchasing his freedom in the 1850s, he became known as one of the region’s more prolific and accomplished chair […]
Swafford’s Chapel | Shades of Gray and Blue
Making Music Jubilee Singers A website co-sponsored by Vanderbilt University Libraries, Middle Tennessee State University Walker Library, and the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation, with generous support from the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area.
Dog Effigy Pot | Shades of Gray and Blue
Building a Future Gates P. Thruston A website co-sponsored by Vanderbilt University Libraries, Middle Tennessee State University Walker Library, and the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation, with generous support from the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area.
Gilbert Gaul’s Cabin | Shades of Gray and Blue
The Persistence of Memory Commemorative Works of Art Holding Fast to Beauty Lucy Virginia Smith French A website co-sponsored by Vanderbilt University Libraries, Middle Tennessee State University Walker Library, and the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation, with generous support from the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area.
Bills Cottage | Shades of Gray and Blue
Holding Fast to Beauty Sarah Polk A website co-sponsored by Vanderbilt University Libraries, Middle Tennessee State University Walker Library, and the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation, with generous support from the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area.
Dickinson Residence | Shades of Gray and Blue
Holding Fast to Beauty Lucy Virginia Smith French Taking Care of Business Perez Dickinson A website co-sponsored by Vanderbilt University Libraries, Middle Tennessee State University Walker Library, and the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation, with generous support from the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area.