Transportation at Glen Leven: A Vision for the Future

Glen Leven was one of the most successful and progressive farmsteads in Tennessee during the 19th and early twentieth century. The Thompsons were forward-thinking, always on the cutting edge of agricultural advances, and their attitude toward transportation was no different. While others might hesitate to allow a road or railway to come through their property, John Thompson saw only opportunity. Proximity to major transportation routes meant that livestock and produce could be sent to market quickly and easily, reducing expenses and ensuring that Glen Leven stock would be in the best possible condition on arrival. The two major aspects of transportation that impacted Glen Leven were the Franklin Turnpike and Nashville and Decatur railroad. In the early 1800s, turnpikes were the cornerstone of internal improvements and economic development. John Thompson was one of the initial shareholders on the Franklin Turnpike Company, which opened for business in 1838. He also took a strong role in railroad development. In 1850, he was an initial member of the board of commissioners for the Nashville and Alabama (later the Nashville and Decatur) railroad that would eventually pass through the northern part of the Glen Leven Plantation. When the railroad was incorporated by the Kentucky legislature in 1851, Thompson was listed as one of the company commissioners for Nashville. The completion of the railroad and turnpike divided Glen Leven into three parts, and the middle section, between the railroad and turnpike, became known as the home place. This location meant that Glen Leven was strategically important during the Civil War. When Nashville fell, residents fled the city along the Franklin Turnpike, which must have been a dramatic scene for the Thompson, who remained in residence throughout the war. The Battle of Nashville brought the fighting to Glen Leven, as the Franklin Turnpike and roads and rails surrounding the farm became defensive lines for the Confederate army. The house and surrounding property soon became a no-mansland, and the mansion became a field hospital. Despite the ravages of war, the Thompsons recovered and Glen Leven did not face the same decline that many other southern plantations did. When John Thompson died in 1876, he left his children a financially stable property. The rail and roadways divided the property into inheritances, and John M. Thompson, Jr. took over the main part of the farm. In the early twentieth century, suburbanization created new problems, and once again, the Thompsons took the lead in resolving the conflicting interests of commuters, property owners, and rail and turnpike owners. Everyone finally agreed on the construction of the Nashville Interurban Railroad (NIR) which would connect Franklin and Nashville and run along either side of the Franklin Turnpike. The plan had the added benefit of allowing the Thompsons to have a stop at Glen Leven. The NIR operated until 1941, when it was replaced by a bus route. The mid to late 20th century created new transportation challenges for Glen Leven. In 1928, the Department of Highways and Public Works widened Franklin Pike into US-31, which connected the plantation to city water, but required the construction of a retaining wall and moving a stone wall on the property. The later 20th century was not as kind to Glen

Nashville to Franklin Interurban Railway Regular Schedule

Courtesy Williamson County Historical Society

Leven. The property decreased in size as it was divided up for inheritances, and eventually left the Thompson family. In 1971, Susan West, a descendant of the Thompsons, purchased Glen Leven and set about restoring it. The construction of I-65 created new challenges for Glen Leven. Though the state purchased the property for the road, the construction activity created problems for the cattle operation West was running. In 1983, new problems began when a new interchange was proposed at Armory Drive with the goal of bringing more traffic to the 100 Oaks shopping center. Susan West was rightfully concerned about the runoff from the construction causing erosion problems on Glen Leven. Despite the promises of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the highway workers were rarely considerate of the circumstances of building on a working farm. TDOT never installed the promised barbed wire, and workers regularly left the fence down, allowing the cattle to escape onto neighboring properties. When the exchange was completed, TDOT agreed to mitigate any damage from erosion. It is one of the ironies of history that the transportation advances that were so integral to the success of Glen Leven would become its greatest threat. The property still faces threats from the increasing demand of the ever-growing transportation system, but serves as much-needed green space where wildlife can find shelter in the sprawling city, farm animals can graze, and crops can be grown in acreage tucked between Franklin Road and I-65. This special place is a model for other cities, towns and communities who could sponsor similar projects.

The farm road separates the original smokehouse and kitchen from the house.