Woodlawn Plantation – La Grange, Tennessee

Historic Civil War Era Vacation Rental

Events • Reunions • Weddings • Corporate Retreats • Family Vacations

Built in 1828 by Major Charles Michie, a veteran of the War of 1812, who possessing a land grant for his military services, chose this site for his stately Greek Revival style house. When Federal troops occupied La Grange in 1862, Woodlawn became the Western Tennessee headquarters for General William T. Sherman, and was used as an emergency hospital during the war. It is reputed that Ulysses S. Grant visited Woodlawn as well.

Changing hands in 1875, Dr. J. J. Pulliam, who also built Hancock Hall, bought Woodlawn from Mrs. Olivia Michie Winston, and Dr. Pulliam practiced medicine from his office at Woodlawn for many years. In the 1950s, the house was owned by Mr. & Mrs. John Cavender. Today, Woodlawn Plantation contains much of the home’s original furnishings.

Woodlawn Plantation carries a deep mystique when mentioned in western Tennessee. This beautiful plantation home has greeted generations of travelers who have admired this stately property from Hwy 57. A prominent resident of La Grange, captured it best when he stated “Woodlawn, probably because of the setting, is the house that most people remember when they pass through here…”

There is no doubt that the original builder, Major Charles Michie, chose the home site because of its prominence and its commanding view. Major Michie was a veteran of the War of 1812 and acquired the property in 1827 as part of a thousand-acre tract purchased from the trustees of the University of North Carolina. Major Michie then personally oversaw the construction of the main house which was built in 1828.

The true grandeur of the home can only be experienced when you take in the picturesque setting from the front porch. The enormous “Greek Revival” style columns accent the sweeping views of an expansive pasture. As you walk around the grounds, you get a deep stirring that “history was made here” and indeed it was…countless stories could be told about families that have called Woodlawn home and the noteworthy events that have occurred on the property.

Woodlawn was utilized as a military headquarters and hospital during the Civil War and was occupied by both sides at times. There were likely hundreds, if not thousands, of troops camped on the grounds of Woodlawn. Notably, General William Sherman was headquartered in the home for a time. Over the years, Woodlawn has functioned in many ways including: a full time residence, a working plantation, a military headquarters and hospital, a thoroughbred horse breeding/training facility and an exclusive recreational property.

For more information contact Jule Eberlin, Proprietor
(619) 871-2861