User:Mkfuhrmann00/Annesdale

Annesdale Snowden - Memphis, TN

The Annesdale Snowden Historic District ¹is a combination of two early twentieth century subdivisions developed by the Snowden family on land surrounding Annesdale, their family home. The origins of the neighborhood can be traced back to 1850 when Dr. Samuel Mansfield built an Italianate mansion on the outskirts of Memphis on a knoll above the stage route to Mississippi. In 1869, Colonel Robert C. Brinkley bought the home as a wedding gift to his daughter, Annie Overton Brinkley, and her new husband, Colonel Robert Bogardus Snowden. The two hundred acre estate was called Annesdale in her honor.

Colonel Snowden and his sons, John and Robert, built "Annesdale Park" in 1903, recognized as "the first subdivision in the South." After this successful venture, the Snowden brothers developed the Snowden Homestead Subdivision in 1910. The streets were named after the children and the exclusive lots sold for top prices. The homes in Snowden Homestead featured all of the modern conveniences of the era.

Annesdale Snowden comprises nearly 200 early twentieth century homes in a virtually intact setting. Few houses have been added since 1931. This unique, historic setting was recognized by the United States Department of the interior in 1979 when the area was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The City of Memphis recognized the historical importance of the area in 1983 by designating Annesdale Snowden a Memphis Landmark, the first residential neighborhood to be so honored.

Today the area thrives. Significant renovation and restoration of the area's houses have led to a vital, close-knit neighborhood. In Annesdale Snowden, the neighborhood gathers for events monthly such as family-friendly cocktail hour; neighborhood picnics; garage sales; meetings; Easter-egg hunts and holiday parties. Former neighborhood association president Ian Randolph stresses the importance of regular activities, which "creates a safe community, maintains and increases our property value, and add to our residents' quality of life."²

¹http://www.annesdale.com/index.html

²"The Perfect Fit." Memphis Flyer Septemebr 21, 2006.

Mkfuhrmann00 15:03, 30 May 2007 (UTC)