Just 10 miles south of downtown, tucked away in the Crieve Hall neighborhood, is the Ellington Agricultural Center.
A quick Google search will tell you it’s the headquarters for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, home to the Tennessee Agricultural Museum. Beyond its administrative offices, this 207-acre property offers plenty of open green space, walking trails, and historical points of interest.
A brief history
Originally known as Brentwood Hall, the estate was constructed in the early 1920s by financier Rogers Caldwell. The property’s 23-room mansion (known as the Brentwood House) was modeled after President Andrew Jackson’s home, The Hermitage. However, Caldwell’s fortunes dwindled during the Great Depression, leading to the transfer of ownership of the state.
In 1961, Tennessee renamed it the Ellington Agricultural Center for former Governor Buford Ellington, making it the new headquarters for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Several of the original buildings (read the history of each) have been restored and remodeled.
Exploring the grounds
If you’re new to the center, here’s a few things to know before you go:
- The hilltop area offers open green spaces and mature trees near the museum, garden, and log cabins.
- The center is listed as an official arboretum by the Nashville Tree Foundation and is home to an official iris garden near the Hogan Road entrance. Pro tip: Iris blooms typically appear in April and reach their peak in May.
- Looking to check out the scenic 2.4-mile Rogers Walk loop along the Seven Mile Creek? Download a trail map for easy navigation.
- Fun fact: The TDA was the first state department of agriculture in the US to be located on a working farm.
Visit the museum
Housed in a former horse barn, the free Tennessee Agricultural Museum boasts over 3,000 artifacts throughout two levels of exhibits, including a children’s play area. The museum also hosts educational events year-round, from First Friday educational programs to the annual Farm Fun Day festival. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.
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