The Glenmore Mansion In Tennessee From The 1860s Will Open Your Eyes To A Different Time
By Meghan Kraft|Published May 17, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Tennessee is dotted with historic houses and homes, from historic mansions in Memphis to tiny cottages and settlements on the eastern edge of the state. You don’t have to look far to find a historic marker, but the Glenmore Mansion in Jefferson County is one of the best examples of the Second Empire architectural style in the South. You can visit the mansion seasonally and enjoy one of the thorough and thoughtful tours. The Glenmore Mansion is a hidden historical gem that’s worth a visit!
The Glenmore Mansion sits tall and proud in the heart of Jefferson City, Tennessee. The three-story boasts a 30-foot tower and a whopping 27 rooms. It is the only house museum the public can visit in Jefferson County and has been managed by the local government since the 1970s. The mansion was built by the Branner family during the 1800s, but unfortunately, patriarch John Branner died before the mansion's completion. After his death, the home was occupied by his wife and served as the location for the Branner Institute for Young Ladies.
The mansion was originally referred to as the "Oakes," but its second family inhabitant, the Jarnagin's, changed its title to "Glenmore" in memory of an infant son who passed away. It’s hard to miss the home built in Second Empire style, a form of architecture also known as the Napoleon III style. Quirky and unique, Second Empire style refers to a building that utilizes multiple historic styles as well as modern materials like glass skylights. The architectural style was most popular between 1865 and 1900.
Inside you will find the mansion outfitted with original mid-Victorian style furnishings. The interior is both opulent and humble, a firm mix of high and low pieces from the 19th century. Glenmore is best known for hosting candlelight Christmas tours in December, and the stunning interior design makes for a beautiful backdrop.
If you’d like to visit for yourself, you can take a one-hour tour for $10 an adult or $5 a student. Tours are an hour long and hosted on the hour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from May to October. You can learn all about the construction and restoration of the space, as well as the only two families that occupied the home in its long and storied history.
The Glenmore Mansion is also a popular venue for local events like festivals and markets. Keep an eye on the mansion's event calendar to visit throughout the year.
