Charmeade Plantation

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Charmeade Plantation (built 1812) is a landmark home in Todd County, Kentucky.

The site was the home of John P. Brown, a statesman from North Carolina who was a pioneer in Todd County. Brown lived on the plantation for two years before moving to what is now known as the Penchem region of Todd County. He sold his land to T. Foster in 1811. [1] Foster built a large two-story log home on the land near a small creek known as "Spring Creek." The house was symmetrical and Federal style with a center dogtrot and kitchen to the right of the house. Planted directly in front of the house were two large sugar maple trees lining the alley. Foster sold the plantation to William Chesnut circa 1840. [2] William Chesnut was a prominent farmer and made alterations to the large cabin, covering it in clapboard siding and adding verandas to the front and rear facades. It became known to the county as the largest log home. He was taught a classical education and acquired over 540 acres of excellent farm land which he successfully cultivated. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity and attended the Cumberland Presbyterian. William is responsible for naming the house, a popular British custom amongst southern plantation owners. Charmeade, Char - meaning lovely, and meade, meaning meadow, is a French term used to describe the property. The plantation featured 21 auxiliary buildings.

In the 1950s the property began a decline for several years and the house fell into ruin as the farm land dwindled to nearly 80 acres. The property remained in the Chesnut family until 1989 when it was thereafter sold to the Shanklin Family. In 1992, due to its worsened condition, the log cabin was destroyed from its foundation and relocated into storage for future adaptation. Remaining on the property today are 3 of the 21 original auxiliary buildings, including a stable, hay shed, & tobacco barn. A modern home stands on the site adjacent to where the original plantation house stood. A cemetery known as the Foster/Chesnut Cemetery is located on the property as are the original gardens and a revived orchard. One of the original sugar maple trees was still standing as of 2006.