Tulip Grove, human settlement in United States of America
Tulip Grove is a two-story brick house built between 1834 and 1836 in Greek Revival style, sitting on a wooded hill about one mile from the Hermitage. The home contains 13 rooms with Doric columns, a striking spiral staircase rising three stories, and interior finishes featuring painted woodwork and decorative wall treatments that show classical influence.
Built in 1834-1836 for Andrew Jackson Donelson, a nephew of President Andrew Jackson, to serve as his plantation residence, the house was designed by Nashville architects using Greek Revival style books from Boston. Following the death of Donelson's first wife in 1836 and his sale of the property in 1858, ownership changed several times until the Ladies' Hermitage Association acquired and preserved it in 1964.
The house takes its name from a visit by President Martin Van Buren in 1842, who suggested renaming it after the tulip trees on the property. Today it serves as a gathering place for events, allowing visitors to experience how daily life unfolded on a Tennessee plantation during the 1800s.
The house sits on a hill that is best explored on foot, with ample grounds for walking through the wooded property. Access is primarily for special events, so visitors should check ahead to confirm whether regular tours are offered at the time of their visit.
The house was originally named Poplar Grove before President Martin Van Buren suggested renaming it during an 1842 visit, inspired by the tulip trees on the property. The interior spiral staircase rising three stories is an unusual architectural feature that shows the innovative design choices made during its construction.
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