Grassmere Historic Farm

STEP BACK IN TIME

 

Standing before you is the historic Croft House, home to five generations of one family -- the Dunn, Shute, Tigert and Croft Families.  Built in 1810 by Michael Dunn, the house was occupied by his descendants until his great, great granddaughters Margaret and Elsie Croft died in 1974 and 1985, respectively.  In the years between, many changes were seen by the family members who lived here: from the invention of the automobile to the addition of electricity and modern plumbing; from the advances in farming techniques to slavery, the Civil War, and emancipation.

 

Thanks to Margaret and Elsie Croft's love of nature and their family heritage, the home has been preserved for future generations to learn, appreciate and enjoy. As you walk around the farm grounds, try to imagine what life would have been like without the many modern conveniences of today.  Think about what this land could be now, had the sisters not made clear their wishes for the land's use after their deaths.  Consider yourself not only a guest of the Nashville Zoo, but a guest of the Croft sisters as well.  Enjoy your visit to the Grassmere Historic Farm.

 

Submitted by Bryan Arnold 

@nanowhiskers