The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum represents a two-generation farm, located within the gently rolling hills and scenic fields of northwest Tennessee. When you visit the Homeplace, you will see interpreters in period clothing going about their daily chores on a real, working farm. You can even lend a hand and join in on the farm fun! You’ll find the perfect blend of artifacts, restored historic structures, and traditional seasonal activities to step you back in time to relive history before the Civil War. Even our livestock includes rare and endangered breeds. We cultivate many varieties of garden plants and field crops; most from heirloom seeds dating back before the Civil War.
Walk into the Tool Barn where tools and farm implements are stored and also doubles as the farmer’s woodworking shop. You may see men splitting rails for fences or busy at the spring pole lathe turning a chair leg. You may even be invited to help with the task at hand. Be sure to stop by the kitchen to experience the heat from the wood burning stove and enjoy tempting smells of hardy country cooking. If you are wondering what something is, don’t be shy, ask us questions!
Living between the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers and close to the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers impacted farm life here in Pryor Creek. News and goods reached area farmers within a few weeks — considered “quick” for the 1850s. The rivers also provided easy access to send crops and livestock to market.
In the 1850s, rural families lived off their field crops, vegetable gardens, and livestock. Tobacco and “Indian” corn served as cash crops for families in this region. You’ll find all this in various growing stages and preparations at the Homeplace.
There’s always something happening down “on the farm”, so be sure to visit often!
The Forest Service partners with Friends of Land Between the Lakes to bring you the interpretive programs, trained interpreters, livestock care, and restored historic structures at The Homeplace. The Homeplace Gift Shop supports these efforts. To volunteer, call 270-924-2007. To find out more about our Friends Group and other volunteer opportunities, visit the Friends of Land Between the Lakes site.
