Ben's Golden Age

It was third grade, sitting through one of Mrs. Riddle’s long addition and subtraction lectures that I first talked to my ever-so-lovely girlfriend of three weeks, Noel Bautista. Never had I been so in love. As I sit here scrimmaging through my Art History textbook, my mind is sent back to the golden days of Ben Carnes’ dating life by the name of una iglesia de Espana- San Juan Bautista. Almost comparable in beauty to my third-grade girlfriend, San Juan Bautista takes inspiration from the Basilican planned-churches that came into popularity in the second century. Erected by King Recceswinth in 661, the church combines this Basilican plan with the use of multiple square apses. It also takes inspiration from the Islamic Great Mosque of Córdoba by incorporating horseshoe arches into its design.

Upon first glance, my immediate thought was that the church looked like something that could be found on an old abandoned farm in the rolling hills of Tennessee. The stonework and overall design of the church seem like familiar qualities of buildings that I have seen on weekend hikes with my friends. The church itself does not remind me of a church at all though (even churches that are commonly known to have been from this time period). Its small scale and rugged stonework make it unique among Early Medieval churches.

After a closer look at the church, the Spanish influence is incredibly evident in its ceilings. The ceilings remind of those of the buildings of Pepperdine University (a possible college choice of mine), whose buildings are influenced by Spanish architecture. Ironically, both the church and Pepperdine University obviously hold to their Christian roots. All in all, I find the overall architecture of San Juan Bautista breathtakingly beautiful. I have always had an interest in old and rugged buildings (which I guess explains my crush on my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Harwell). Hopefully my dating life will return back to its incredibly active, always got a girl at my side lifestyle. Until then, I’m stuck looking at pictures of pretty churches.

Carnton Plantation

When most people think of art, their minds immediately jump to famous paintings or sculptures that have caught their eye at some point in time. Many people forget that buildings are a form of art as well. They must be planned out precisely and then executed perfectly, just like any painting or sculpture. One of the most beautiful (in my opinion) houses in the picturesque town of Franklin, Tennessee is the historic Carnton Plantation. To my luck, I get to live directly next to this astounding house that is filled with history from the civil war. Seeing the red and white brick house as I approach my own house everyday is a sight that will live with me for many years.

Carnton Plantation was initially constructed in 1815 by Randal McGavock, who designed the building to reflect the Federal style of many American buildings in this time period. No offense to anyone who is drawn towards this style of house, but I tend to find it slightly boring. The houses are so well proportioned and balanced that it makes the house almost look plain. This is not to say that these houses are ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but when one compares the Federal style to the Greek Revival style of the Carnton Plantation we know today, it is easy to see the new beauty the renovation adds to the house. It was in 1843 when the son of Randal, John McGavock, decided to renovate the house in this new style. He did this by adding a two-story Greek Revival portico to the front of the house and a two-story porch to the rear house. This is the way the house stands today. The columns on the rear porch are very similar to the Doric columns of Ancient Greece while the arch above the front door on the front portico is similar to that of the Ancient Romans. The combination of these two eras of art along with the overall American design of the building gives Carnton Plantation a vast range of inspirations and a unique position in the overall realm of architecture.

Carnton Plantation gains its famous history from the Civil War in which it acted as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Because of its well-known history as a hospital, Carnton is known for being one of the most haunted houses in the South. Ever since I moved into my recent house I have wanted to take one the haunted night tours of the house, but I have never gained up the courage to attend one of these outings. Nevertheless, I highly recommend anyone that is ever visiting Franklin, Tennessee to visit this historic plantation. It will not be a disappointment.