Historic Homes
One of the best ways to dive into the roots of a city is to visit its historical homes. They are scattered throughout the city, hidden in the midst of modern residential areas, and yet they hold timeless traces of eras long past. Their walls preserve footprints of what used to be, giving a first-hand account of the old soul of the city. Memphis boasts many of these domestic museums, two of the most famous of which are the Burkle Estate and the Woodruff-Fontaine House.
The Burkle Estate
The Burkle Estate at 826 N 2nd Street gives a glimpse into the courage of the heroes of the Underground Railroad
Located just north of the heart of downtown Memphis, the Burkle Estate initially appears to be an inconsequential and modest cottage. However, within it lies profound insight into one of the most significant forms of resistance in American history: the Underground Railroad. Also known as Slave Haven, the Burkle Estate was a crucial stopping point for slaves escaping north to freedom. An unassuming abolitionist and German immigrant, Jacob Burkle, built the home in 1849 and began using the cellar beneath the house as a station for the escape network in 1855. While this site retains the ugly imprints of slavery in the south, it also signifies the courageous resolve of those who opposed it and worked towards its demise.
The Woodruff-Fontaine House
The Woodruff-Fontaine House sits at 680 Adams Ave, and is open for historic tours
Residing in another vein of Memphis history, the Woodruff-Fontaine House paints a picture of the elite society of Memphis with its magnificent architecture and precious artifacts. This French Victorian mansion was built in 1871 and was owned by two prominent local families until 1929. The house was then sold to Rosa Lee, whose art school would eventually become the beloved Memphis College of Art. After the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities restored the home, it opened once more for visitors to explore its vintage treasures that memorialize the aristocracy during a period of booming growth for Memphis.
Although grand museums are certainly able to communicate a great deal about history, historical homes give a first-hand look into the lives of our predecessors. They take us back to the primary sources so that we may be transported to the past and glimpse the foundations upon which our society is built today. Don’t miss out on these rich historical gems that Memphis has to offer!