Spring Hill’s history dates back to the 1800s, and everything from the initial settlement to war battles and tons of noteworthy development combine to make the town the destination it is today. Take a walk (or a drive) through Spring Hill’s dynamic history on this curated historic highlights tour.
Note: A walking tour map is coming soon!
Rippa Villa
Begin your tour at Rippa Villa, a historic 98-acre plantation first built in the 1850s. The onsite residence was a key point during the Civil War, as both Union and Confederate soldiers used the home as their headquarters. Walk the grounds and take a tour of the home itself for an immersive experience.
GM Plant
You’ll have to take a quick drive to the second destination, a manufacturing plant that boosted Spring Hill’s economy in the 1980s. What was once the Saturn plant is now home to a General Motors assembly center, with a visitor’s center onsite. Learn about automotive manufacturing and its impact on the city here.
Spring Hill Battlefield
Continue on to the Spring Hill Battlefield, a preserved field and walking path situated off of Highway 31. Learn about the city’s Civil War history, including the Battle of Spring Hill, which served as the precursor to the major Battle of Franklin. Take your time strolling through the park, stopping to read the historic markers included throughout.
Ferguson Hall
Just down the street from the battlefield sits Ferguson Hall, a plantation home owned by Martin Cheairs, brother of the original owner of Rippa Villa. Now used as a venue for weddings and special events, the home is available to tour by appointment.
First Presbyterian Church of Spring Hill
After visiting Ferguson Hall, be sure to stop by the neighboring First Presbyterian Church of Spring Hill. The church contains all the original features, including furniture, stained glass windows, and flooring, first erected in 1888. The church is nominated under the National Register of Historic Places.
Kissing House
Also on the National Register of Historic Places is the Kissing House, a historic home in downtown Spring Hill. The story goes that Sara Odit saw a newspaper announcement stating her then husband was married to another woman, and after suing him, used her winnings ($2,800) to purchase the “House that Kisses Bought.” Salute to Sara in front of this 1800s home.
Grace Episcopal Church
About a block away from the Kissing House stands one of the few remaining examples of “Carpenter” Gothic Revival-style churches in the state, Grace Episcopal Church. The church was consecrated in 1878 and still operates today.
White Hall
A short walk down Main Street and onto Duplex Road will lead you to historic White Hall. The home first belonged to a surgeon in the 1840s, and is lauded for its architectural significance and its role in the Civil War as a headquarters.
Early’s Honey Stand
Hop back in the car for a treat at our final stop on the Spring Hill history tour, Early’s Honey Stand. The small general store has been around since 1925, making it the oldest retailer in the county. Grab country ham, bacon, sausage, grits, and, of course, local honey.