James K. Polk Ancestral Home - Columbia, TN

From Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_K._Polk_Ancestral_Home
The James K. Polk Ancestral Home is a historic house museum at 301 West 7th Street in Columbia, Tennessee. Built in 1816, it is the only surviving private residence of United States President James K. Polk. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The James K. Polk House is located just west of the commercial central downtown area of Columbia, at the southwest corner of West 7th and South High Streets. It is an L-shaped brick building, two stories in height, with a gabled roof. The front facade, facing West 7th Street, is three bays wide, with the main entrance in the rightmost bay, recessed in a segmented-arch opening. The door is flanked by sidelight windows and topped by a semi-oval transom window with tracery, and the interior walls of the recess are paneled. The other bays house windows, which are topped by lintels of brick and a stone keystone. The interior retains finishes period to its construction, but has otherwise been adapted for museum displays. The property includes a reproduction of the kitchen outbuilding that would have been present during Polk's residency; none of the outbuildings from his time survive.

The house was built in 1816 by Samuel Polk, and was the home of his son, U.S. President James K. Polk, for several years as a young adult. It is the only surviving private residence associated with President Polk to survive. James lived in the house until 1819, when he left to read law in Nashville, and for a time after his return to Columbia, where he opened his law practice. The house remained in the Polk family for many years, and passed through several owners before its acquisition by the state of Tennessee in 1929. The museum is operated by the James K. Polk Association. The fountain on the site was moved here in 1893 after Polk Place, the president's later home, was demolished.

The Church House (aka Barrow House) is a historic mansion along 7th Street in Columbia TN. It was built in 1873 in Second Empire architectural style. The first owner was Sheriff Latta, but was sold to Robert Church in 1885, and then inherited by grandson Robert Church Barrow.

For full info:
focus.nps.gov/GetAsset?assetID=c165e8c2-4000-4cee-af0e-45...

Pop Geers Monument - Columbia, TN

I'm not sure how many times I've driven along W. 7th St. in Columbia (US412), but it wasn't until this day that I noticed the tall obelisk in a park up the side of a hill. I've spent years combing through every brochure and tourist guide in Middle Tennessee, and can't recall ever reading of this place. This monument and the park on the side of Mt. Parnassus are dedicated to Edward "Pop" Geers.

In the late 19th Century, Harness Racing reached its golden age and was one of the most popular spectator sports in the U.S. Pop Geers who lived and trained horses in Columbia was one of the most accomplished men in the sport. As a driver (harness racing has drivers, not jockeys) Geers recorded the first one mile race in under 2 minutes. He was killed in a race at the West Virginia State Fair in 1924. This monument was dedicated to the "Gentleman Racer from Tennessee" two years later.

For more, see this youtube video: youtu.be/m3jMRD32R_Y

Cross Bridges Methodist Church

Cross Bridges is a small rural community in Maury County west of Columbia along US412. According to the sign out front, this congregation was established in 1882.

Perry Co. Courthouse at Night - Linden, TN

Construction of this courthouse began in 1928 in the Linden town square after the previous courthouse burned down. It cost $47,000 to build.

The courthouse is three stories with a full basement and has a classically-inspired design. The exterior is made of brick and detailed stone with elaborate detail to the stone work around the entrance. Along the top two stories stone quions are built at the corners on the walls as paired pilasters which forms a two story giant order capped by a full emblature.

First United Methodist Church - Lexington, TN

Located along Church St. (US412) in downtown Lexington near the town square.

First United Methodist Church - Columbia, TN

The First United Methodist Church is located along 7th street (US412/TN99) in downtown Columbia.

Faded Ad Mural - Lexington, TN

This is seen along Church St (US412) across the street from the county courthouse in Lexington. The mural features ads for multiple things.
Princess Theater, which is on the other side of the square
Double Cola - Grapette
Sloans Linament
Plus a couple of more faded or painted over sections for Grove's and Bluebird. Then, there's also a large painting of an old car and a driver that now looks headless.
This mural is on the side of a building that used to be Stanford-Hatchett Livery

Perry Co. Courthouse at Night - Linden, TN

Construction of this courthouse began in 1928 in the Linden town square after the previous courthouse burned down. It cost $47,000 to build.

The courthouse is three stories with a full basement and has a classically-inspired design. The exterior is made of brick and detailed stone with elaborate detail to the stone work around the entrance. Along the top two stories stone quions are built at the corners on the walls as paired pilasters which forms a two story giant order capped by a full emblature.

Ralph's Automotive - Hohenwald, TN

This classic Gas Station architecture is now home to a service station. The car in the photo is apparently a 1956 Nomad.

1st Presbyterian Church, Columbia, TN

7th St. (U.S. 412) - Next door to the James K. Polk home. This building was opened in 1916.

Smitty's Body & Glass neon sign at night - Parsons, TN

Located in Parsons, TN along Main St. (US 412)

After originally posting this image, I got this nice note:

"Thank you Brent for posting this sign. This is my Dad's business. It is the oldest business in Parsons, Tn. He is Ralph Smith and is 91 years old and still running this business today. It was started by my Granddad, Robert Smith in 1921 the year my Dad was born. I now live in Jackson, Tn. but I stumbled up on this picture and I remember when this sign was bought from a company here in Jackson, Tn. called Den Ray Signs. It was a surprise for him from my Mom which we lost three years ago. I know I don't know you but thank you again, you have made my day for sure. Robin S. Jones"

Welcome to Perry County mural

"It's Just Our Nature"
This mural is visible to westbound passengers on US412 when they're about to enter the Linden, TN town square. Over the past couple of years, the town square has been branded the "Arts & Historic District" with several murals having been added recently.

Jonathan Webster House - Cross Bridges, TN

Jonathan Webster (1767-1854) was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War from Georgia and purchased land in what is now Cross Bridges, TN in Maury County. He came here when the area was a wilderness and was credited with killing the last panter in the area. He started building this house in 1810.

He was also known as the person who brought mules to Maury County and was the first local breeder. His actions led to the county becoming the Mule Capital of the nation.

This is stop #45 on the TNTrailsandByways.com "Old TN Trail." It is also on the National Register of Historic Places and is located on Hampshire Pike (US412)

Columbia Military Academy

Has been "Columbia Academy" (without Military) since 1979. Located at the important location of 7th St. (U.S. 412) at the train tracks. On the National Register of Historic Places, built in a Colonial Revival and Romanesque style.

From the historical marker:
In 1888, local residents gave 67 acres to the U.S. Army for an arsenal. The Bowling Green stone buildings quartered troops in the Spanish-American War. Columbia Military Academy was founded in 1904 and opened formally August 23, 1905 with 167 young men from eight states. Designated an "Honor School" in 1935 by the U.S. Government, youth nationwide trained here as military and civil leaders, among them: general officers, battle heroes, governors, educators, and corporate heads.