Hermitage in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Icehouse

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 25, 2010

1. Icehouse Marker

Inscription. The Hermitage icehouse, a common feature on larger farms and plantations during the nineteenth century, stood on the north side of the smokehouse.

Archaeological excavation at this site in 1993 uncovered a portion of a 20 by 20 foot rectangular hole at least fifteen feet deep, the only remnant of the facility.

The pit was used to store and insulate winter ice and snow for use in cooling food and drink during the warm spring and summer months. The icehouse was completed in January of 1837, in conjunction with the reconstruction of the mansion after the 1834 fire. Although no description or image of the building exists, it is likely a low wooden A-frame structure once covered the pit.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Anthropology & Archaeology • Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1837.

Location. 36° 12.921′ N, 86° 36.791′ W. Marker is in Hermitage, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It can be reached from Rachels Lane 0.3 miles east of Hermitage Road. Marker is located between the smokehouse and triplex on the walking path. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4580 Rachels Lane, Hermitage TN 37076, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee

and in Greater Nashville.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Triplex (here, next to this marker); A Landscape Of Inequality

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(a few steps from this marker); The Work Yard (within shouting distance of this marker); Explore The Hermitage Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); Alfred’s Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hermitage Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Garden Privy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Education and Administration Buildings (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hermitage.

Also see . . . The Hermitage, The Home of President Andrew Jackson. (Submitted on February 10, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 25, 2010

2. Icehouse Marker

Wide view of Icehouse Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 14, 2015

3. Wide view of Icehouse Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 776 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on July 14, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 3. submitted on July 14, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.