Editing Belle Meade, Tennessee

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name                     = Belle Meade
|official_name            = 
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
|nickname                 = 
|motto                    =

<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            = Belle Meade Plantation.jpg
|imagesize                = 270px
|image_caption            = The namesake of Belle Meade, Belle Meade Plantation
|image_flag               = Flag of Belle Meade, Tennessee.png
|image_seal               = Seal of Belle Meade, Tennessee.png
|image_blank_emblem       = Logo of Belle Meade, Tennessee.png
|blank_emblem_type        = Logo

<!-- Maps -->
|image_map                = File:Davidson County Tennessee Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Belle Meade Highlighted 4704620.svg
|map_caption              = Location of Belle Meade in Davidson County, Tennessee.

<!-- Location -->
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Tennessee]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Tennessee|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Davidson County, Tennessee|Davidson]]

<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = 
|leader_name              = 
|leader_title1            = 
|leader_name1             = 
|established_title        = 
|established_date         =

<!-- Area -->
|unit_pref  = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web|title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory|url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer/5/query?where=STATE='47'&outFields=NAME,STATE,PLACE,AREALAND,AREAWATER,LSADC,CENTLAT,CENTLON&orderByFields=PLACE&returnGeometry=false&returnTrueCurves=false&f=json|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 15, 2022}}</ref>
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_total_km2           = 7.95
|area_land_km2            = 7.95
|area_water_km2           = 0.00
|area_total_sq_mi         = 3.07
|area_land_sq_mi          = 3.07
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.00

<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="USCensusDecennial2020CenPopScriptOnly"/>
|population_total         = 2901
|population_density_km2   = 364.83
|population_density_sq_mi = 944.95

<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
|utc_offset               = -6
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -5
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name="GR3"/>
|elevation_m              = 170
|elevation_ft             =  
|coordinates              = {{coord|36.0958924|-86.8569448|display=inline,title|format=dms}}
<!-- {{coord|36|6|20|N|86|51|18|W|region:US-TN|display=inline,title}}<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> -->
|postal_code_type         = 
|postal_code              = 37205
|area_code                = 
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 47-04620<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref>
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 1305087<ref name="GR3">{{GNIS|1305087}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|www.citybellemeade.org}}
|footnotes                = 
|pop_est_as_of = 
|pop_est_footnotes = 
|population_est = 
}}
'''Belle Meade''' is a city in [[Davidson County, Tennessee]]. Its total land area is {{convert|3.1|sqmi}}, and its population was 2,901 at the time of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]].<ref name="Access (DADS) 2010">{{cite web | last1=Access | first1=Data | last2=(DADS) | first2=Dissemination Systems | title=Results | website=[[United States Census Bureau]] | date=October 5, 2010 | url=https://www.census.gov | access-date=June 19, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Belle Meade city, Tennessee |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=March 13, 2012 }}</ref>

Belle Meade operates independently as a city, complete with its own regulations, a city hall, and police force, but it is also integrated with the Nashville government.<!--for what functions?  --><ref name="Belle Meade: Health in an Urban Community">{{cite web | title=Community History | website=Belle Meade: Health in an Urban Community | url=https://my.vanderbilt.edu/leiaandrew/belle-meade-history/ | language=af | access-date=June 19, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024320/https://my.vanderbilt.edu/leiaandrew/belle-meade-history/ | archive-date=June 20, 2018 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Developed in part on the territory of the former Belle Meade plantations, residential areas are suburban with tree-lined streets and wooded areas. The median annual income of Belle Meade residents is $195,208, which exceeds the median annual income in the U.S. by more than three times.<ref name="Data USA">{{cite web | title=Belle Meade, TN | website=Data USA | url=https://datausa.io/profile/geo/belle-meade-tn/ | access-date=June 19, 2018}}</ref>

The city's history dates back to 1807, when [[John Harding (Southern planter)|John Harding]] of Virginia purchased the Dunham's Station log cabin and 250 acres (100 ha) on the [[Natchez Trace]] near [[Richland Creek (Nashville, Tennessee)|Richland Creek]]. He named the property [[Belle Meade Plantation|Belle Meade]], which is French for "beautiful meadow". Over the next few decades, enslaved African Americans built Harding's mansion,{{dubious|date=March 2023|reason=were there really no others involved in the construction?}}<!--were there really no others involved in the construction?--> and established a thoroughbred breeding farm and cotton plantation. He conducted various service businesses on the property, including a grist and saw mill, a cotton gin, and a blacksmith shop – all primarily operated by enslaved African-Americans.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Harding's son, [[William Giles Harding]], inherited the estate in 1839.  In 1866 his daughter Selene married brigadier general William Hicks Jackson, who controlled the land from 1883 and made the estate gain international recognition for its horses.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Ely Moticka |title=The Belle Tolls |journal=[[Nashville Scene]] |date=March 9, 2023 |volume=42 |issue=6 |pages=14–16 |quote=The estate passed to his son William Giles Harding in 1839 [...]  the 1866 marriage of his daughter Selene Harding and William Hicks Jackson [...] brigadier general [...] Jackson took control of the land in 1883 [...] had gained an international reputation for its horses.}}</ref>  In 1906, debt forced the Harding family to sell Belle Meade.<ref name="Belle Meade: Health in an Urban Community" /> Belle Meade Land Company built the first road and in 1938 developed the neighborhood that established the City of Belle Meade. The mansion was converted into a museum. On December 30, 1969, it was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="NPGallery Search">{{cite web | title=NPGallery Asset Detail | website=NPGallery Search | url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/69000177 | access-date=June 19, 2018}}</ref>

==History==
The city of {{convert|3.1|sqmi|km2}} takes its name from [[Belle Meade Plantation]], which once encompassed {{convert|5,300 |acres|ha}}.<ref name="Nashville Scene 2014">{{cite web | title=In a new project, Belle Meade Plantation excavates its history of slavery - and relations between its black and white residents | website=Nashville Scene | date=February 13, 2014 | url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/article/13052559/in-a-new-project-belle-meade-plantation-excavates-its-history-of-slavery-and-relations-between-its-black-and-white-residents | access-date=June 19, 2018}}</ref> It was founded by planter [[John Harding (Southern planter)|John Harding]] and inherited at 1,200 acres by his son, [[William Giles Harding]]. Before the Civil War, the younger Harding more than doubled the property and built a new mansion, with the labor of the 136 enslaved African people.

His descendants founded the Belle Meade Country Club here in 1901.<ref name="nashsceneblackout">{{cite news |last1=Pulle |first1=Matt |title=Black Out |url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/article/13016410/black-out |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=Nashville Scene |date=August 7, 2008}}</ref><!-- really? on what part of the property? -->

Because of debt, the trustee of the Belle Meade Estate sold the mansion and 2,200 acres in May 1906 to [[Jacob McGavock Dickinson]], the general counsel of the [[Illinois Central Railroad]].<ref name="nrhpdoc">{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=04000675}}|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Belle Meade Golf Links Subdivision Historic District |publisher=[[National Park Service]]|access-date=June 15, 2018}} With {{NRHP url|id=04000675|photos=y|title=accompanying pictures}}</ref> He later served as the United States Secretary of War from 1909 to 1911.

In 1906 he co-founded the Belle Meade Land Company with J. M. Overton, [[Stuyvesant Fish]], [[James Theodore Harahan]], and J. C. Welling.<ref name="nrhpdoc"/> They hired [[Ossian Cole Simonds]] to design the community.<ref name="nrhpdoc"/> In 1910 [[Luke Lea (American politician, born 1879)|Luke Lea]], publisher of ''[[The Tennessean]]''; [[Telfair Hodgson Jr.]] (the treasurer of [[Sewanee: The University of the South]]); and David Shepherd bought Belle Mead Company. They began the development of Belle Meade's main streets, including Jackson Boulevard and Belle Meade Boulevard.<ref name="nrhpdoc"/> Meanwhile, Johnson Bransford built Deer Park, Berkley Hills, Reservoir Hill, and the Belle Meade Golf Links.<ref name="nrhpdoc"/>

Belle Meade was absorbed into the [[metropolitan government]] of Nashville-Davidson County in 1963, but it retained its independent city status. Residents pay taxes both to the Metro government and to the City of Belle Meade.<ref name="Nashville 1962">{{cite web | author=Nashville | title=Nashville > Government > History of Metro | website=Nashville > Home | date=June 28, 1962 | url=http://www.nashville.gov/Government/History-of-Metro.aspx | access-date=June 20, 2018}}</ref> Belle Meade streets have distinct signage, and the city has its own police force, mayor, and city hall.<ref name="Nashville 1962"/> Many houses in the city have been listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Davidson County, Tennessee|National Register of Historic Places]] since July 7, 2004.<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2013a}}</ref>

The vast majority of the Belle Meade area is designated as [[ZIP code]] 37205. A few homes are in ZIP code 37215. Rusty Moore is the current mayor. His term expires in November 2026.<ref name="Commissioners">{{cite web|url=https://citybellemeade.org/person/rusty-moore/|title=Commissioners|access-date=April 12, 2022}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|3.1|sqmi|km2}}, all land. Belle Meade Boulevard ends at the main historic entrance to [[Percy Warner Park]], the city's largest park, and [[Richland Creek (Nashville, Tennessee)|Richland Creek]] flows through the neighborhood.<ref>Google Map</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1940= 2061
|1950= 2831
|1960= 3082
|1970= 2933
|1980= 3182
|1990= 2839
|2000= 2943
|2010= 2912
|2020= 2901
|footnote=Sources:<ref name="GR9">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=March 4, 2012|title=Census of Population and Housing: Decennial Censuses}}</ref><ref name=CensusPopEst>{{cite web|title=Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions Datasets: Subcounty Resident Population Estimates: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012|url=https://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2012/SUB-EST2012.html|work=Population Estimates|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=December 11, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611010502/http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2012/SUB-EST2012.html|archive-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref><ref name="USCensusDecennial2020CenPopScriptOnly">{{cite web|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=P1_001N,NAME&for=place:*&in=state:47&key=5ccd0821c15d9f4520e2dcc0f8d92b2ec9336108|title=Census Population API|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 15, 2022}}</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|+Belle Meade racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4704620&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 26, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Race
!scope="col"| Number
!scope="col"| Percentage
|-
!scope="row"| [[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
| 2,758
| 95.07%
|-
!scope="row"| [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
| 6
| 0.21%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
| 1
| 0.03%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
| 21
| 0.72%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
| 63
| 2.17%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
| 52
| 1.79%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 2,901 people, 853 households, and 748 families residing in the city.

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 Census]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US4704620|title=American FactFinder - Results|publisher=United States Census Bureau|website=factfinder.census.gov|language=en|access-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213103940/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US4704620|archive-date=February 13, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> there were 2,912 people, 1,074 households, and 872 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 98.2% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.2% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.1% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.8% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.2% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.6% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race accounted for 0.8% of the population. The population density was {{convert|944.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,162 housing units at an average density of {{convert|376.8|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.ST10/0400000US47?slice=GEO~0400000US47|title=American FactFinder - Results|publisher=United States Census Bureau|website=factfinder.census.gov|language=en|access-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200214005624/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.ST10/0400000US47?slice=GEO~0400000US47|archive-date=February 14, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>

There were 1,074 households, out of which 37.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 3.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 0.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 18.8% were non-families. 17.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71, and the average family size was 3.08.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.9% under the age of 20, 1.8% from 20 to 24, 13.4% from 25 to 44, 35.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.

According to 2012–2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/16_5YR/DP03/1600000US4704620|title=American FactFinder - Results|publisher=United States Census Bureau|website=factfinder.census.gov|language=en|access-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213105908/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/16_5YR/DP03/1600000US4704620|archive-date=February 13, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> the median income for a household in Belle Meade was $195,208, and the median income for a family was $228,472. Males had a median income of $209,063 versus $100,125 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $129,928, which is the highest in the state and among the highest in the nation. About 4.4% of families and 4.3% of the population were living below the [[poverty line]], including 1.3% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.

== Economy ==
According to the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimate conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2016, the economy of Belle Meade focuses mainly on three industries: Healthcare and Social Assistance (22%); Professional, Scientific, and Tech Services (17.6%); and Finance and Insurance (15.6%). Other sectors like Manufacturing (6.3%), Retail (5.1%), Education Services (7%), and Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing (6.9%) have smaller concentrations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://datausa.io/profile/geo/belle-meade-tn/#category_industries|title=Belle Meade, TN|work=Data USA|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref>

Based on the same report, the top three occupations in Belle Meade were Management (28.2%), Sales (16.7%), and Health Practitioners (13.3%). Notable occupations in smaller numbers included Legal (7.7%), Arts and Recreation (6.3%), Business and Financial (7.8%), and Education, Training, and Library (6.2%).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://datausa.io/profile/geo/belle-meade-tn/#tmap_occ_num_emp|title=Belle Meade, TN|work=Data USA|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref>

== Arts and culture ==
Built in the 1820s by John Harding, Belle Meade Plantation is a primary attraction for those interested in the history and culture of the area. The plantation is home to a number of historical buildings, including Dunham Station's cabin and a Victorian-style manor that houses a museum filled with artifacts that once belonged to the Harding family.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.10best.com/destinations/tennessee/nashville/attractions/museums/|title=Music City offers history and charm|work=10Best|access-date=July 29, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

[[Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art|Cheekwood Estate and Gardens]] – now a 55-acre botanical garden and museum of art – is the former home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek. Located just outside the southwestern boundary of Belle Meade, the attraction hosts world-renowned art exhibits, festivals, and family events throughout the year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cheekwood.org/about/about-cheekwood/|title=About Cheekwood {{!}} Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville, TN|work=Cheekwood Estate & Gardens {{!}} Nashville, Tennessee|access-date=July 29, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Parks and recreation ==
'''Belle Meade Country Club''' – This members-only club is home to an 18-hole, par 72, 6,885-yard golf course<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.golfadvisor.com/courses/12610-belle-meade-country-club/|title=Belle Meade Country Club in Nashville|website=Golf Advisor|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref> and various other amenities, including tennis courts and a pool. Use of the club requires membership – a lengthy and challenging process<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/article/13016410/black-out|title=Black Out|work=Nashville Scene|access-date=July 29, 2018|language=en}}</ref> – or entering as a guest with a member. Originally designed by architect [[Donald Ross (golfer)|Donald J. Ross]] and later renovated by architects [[Rees Jones]] and Bryce Swanson, the course has Bermuda grass fairways and bent grass greens and was rated by [[Golf Digest]] as a top Tennessee course in 2005–2006.<ref name=":0" />

'''Percy Warner Golf Course''' – This golf course is located in the northeastern corner of [[Warner Parks|Percy Warner Park]] at the southwestern edge of Belle Meade. It is a 9-hole, par 34, 2,600-yard course with tree-lined fairways. The course uses a first-come, first-served, open play concept, and greens and rental cart fees are modest. Rental clubs and pull carts are also available, and private carts are allowed for a fee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Golf-Courses/Percy-Warner-Golf-Course.aspx|title=Nashville > Parks and Recreation > Golf Courses > Percy Warner Golf Course|last=Nashville|website=www.nashville.gov|language=en-US|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref>

'''Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park''' – They are technically two connecting parks, but Nashville locals often refer to Percy Warner Park and [[Warner Parks|Edwin Warner Park]] simply as "The Warner Parks". The northern border of Percy Warner Park lies at the southwestern edge of Belle Meade. Combined, the parks include more than 3,100 acres. Amenities include picnic grounds and shelters, a nature center, hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, sports fields, horse trails, an equestrian center, and golf courses.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks/Warner-Parks.aspx|title=Nashville > Parks and Recreation > Parks > Warner Parks|last=Nashville|website=www.nashville.gov|language=en-US|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref>

The parks also have historical significance and are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.<ref name=":1" /> [[Luke Lea (American politician, born 1879)|Colonel Luke Lea]] and his second wife, Percie Warner, donated almost 900 acres of land – a large portion of which came from the former Belle Meade Plantation – to establish the park in 1927.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/life/shopping/ms-cheap/2017/10/24/18-things-you-might-not-know-but-should-warner-parks/746334001/|title=18 things you might not know (but should) about Warner Parks|work=The Tennessean|access-date=July 29, 2018|language=en}}</ref> Margaret Warner, the widow of Percy Warner, donated the funds to erect the sandstone gates and stone eagles that have marked the entrance of Percy Warner Park since 1932.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://warnerparks.org/thing/allee-belle-meade-steps/|title=Allée / Belle Meade Steps {{!}} Friends of Warner Parks|date=December 27, 2014|work=Friends of Warner Parks|access-date=July 29, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> The limestone staircase known as The Allee was designed by landscape architect [[Bryant Fleming]] and built in the mid-1930s to mark the entrance to Percy Warner Park at Belle Meade Boulevard.<ref name=":2" />

Other historical sites in the park include 10 pre-Civil War cemeteries and a [[World War I]] memorial that honors Camp Andrew Jackson, a WWI army training site previously located at the site of Percy Warner Golf Course.<ref name=":2" />

'''Parmer Park''' – Located on a section of land that used to be the home of Parmer School, which burned in the 1980s, this park consists of open green space, basketball courts, playground equipment, and a baseball field.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pith-in-the-wind/article/13041101/parmer-park-a-review|title=Parmer Park: A Review|work=Nashville Scene|access-date=July 29, 2018|language=en}}</ref> The entrance of the former school still stands in the middle of the park.

== Government ==
{{update|section|date=December 2022}}
The form of government for the City of Belle Meade is a city manager-commissioner structure. Policy is made and carried out by a board of commissioners, and the city manager serves as the chief administrative officer.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.citybellemeade.org/commissioners/|title=City of Belle Meade, Tennessee|website=citybellemeade.org|access-date=June 12, 2019}}</ref> Five commissioners are elected by the residents and serve four-year terms. Those commissioners then elect two members to serve as mayor and vice-mayor for shorter terms of two years.

The current mayor of Belle Meade is Rusty Moore, and the vice-mayor is Haley Dale.<ref name=":3" /> The three other commissioners include:

* Louise Bryan – term ending November 2026<ref name=":3" />
* Marty Dickens (appointed to fill vacancy) – term ending November 2024<ref name=":3" />
* Neil Clayton – term ending November 2026<ref name=":3" />

According to the annual audit report ending June 30, 2017, the City of Belle Meade had total annual revenues of $6,191,617 and total annual operating expenses of $3,918,521. The city's total net position as of June 30, 2017, was $20,412,803.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.citybellemeade.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/6-30-17-City-of-Belle-Meade-Tennessee-FS-issued.pdf|title=City of Belle Meade, Tennessee – Financial Statements, June 30, 2017|website=citybellemeade.org|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> The city's primary sources of revenue are [[property tax]]es and state sales and income taxes.<ref name=":4" />

Belle Meade is part of State House District 56 for the [[Tennessee General Assembly]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://statisticalatlas.com/state-lower-legislative-district/Tennessee/District-56/Overview|title=Overview of State House District 56, Tennessee (State House District) - Statistical Atlas|website=statisticalatlas.com|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109225227/http://statisticalatlas.com/state-lower-legislative-district/Tennessee/District-56/Overview|archive-date=November 9, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>  The city is part of State Senate District 20,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://statisticalatlas.com/state-upper-legislative-district/Tennessee/District-20/Overview|title=Overview of State Senate District 20, Tennessee (State Senate District) - Statistical Atlas|website=statisticalatlas.com|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109234107/http://statisticalatlas.com/state-upper-legislative-district/Tennessee/District-20/Overview|archive-date=November 9, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> with [[Heidi Campbell (politician)]] as the current state senator for the district.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/members/s20.html|title=Senators - TN General Assembly|website=www.capitol.tn.gov|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref> At the national level, Belle Meade is in Congressional District 5 in Tennessee, and [[Andy Ogles]] is the current representative for the district.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/TN/5|title=Tennessee's 5th Congressional District - TN-05 Representatives & District Map - GovTrack.us|website=GovTrack.us|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref>

==Education==
Belle Meade is part of the [[Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools|Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools District]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st47_tn/schooldistrict_maps/c47037_davidson/DC20SD_C47037.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Davidson County, TN|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=2024-08-28}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st47_tn/schooldistrict_maps/c47037_davidson/DC20SD_C47037_SD2MS.txt Text]</ref> No public schools are located inside the city's boundaries, but various public schools are located nearby, including [[Julia Green Elementary School|Julia Green Elementary]] (grades K-4), H.G. Hill Middle School (grades 5–8), and [[Hillwood High School|Hillwood Comp High School]] (grades 9–12).<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.zillow.com/belle-meade-nashville-tn/schools/#/belle-meade-nashville-tn/schools/bb=-86.927605%2C36.051388%2C-86.785641%2C36.14432&regionId=&zoom=12|title=School Reviews for Belle Meade|website=www.zillow.com|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> Additionally, several private schools are located very near the perimeter, including Harding Academy, [[Harpeth Hall School]], [[Montgomery Bell Academy]], and [[The Ensworth School]].<ref name=":5" />

* '''Harding Academy''' is a [[PreK-8 school|PreK-8]], coeducational [[private school]] founded in 1971 as a [[segregation academy]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/111921218|title=New Private Schools Filled to Capacity|last=Ritter|first=Frank|date=December 12, 1971|work=The Tennessean|page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/111489876|title=The 'Christian' schools are on the boom|last=O'hara|first=Jim|date=July 22, 1973|work=The Tennessean|page=1B|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> The  school's president, Harold Black, told a newspaper that "busing had influenced the thinking of a lot of parents."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/111797167/|title=Private School Enrollments Up Sharply|last=O'hara|first=Jim|date=August 23, 1971|work=The Nashville Tennessean|page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> The school has adopted a policy of non-discrimination.<ref name="pp180106">{{cite web|url=https://pp-990.s3.amazonaws.com/2016_07_EO/62-0852815_990_201506.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIAI7C6X5GT42DHYZIA%2F20180106%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20180106T183157Z&X-Amz-Expires=1800&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=f89ba5b6c5d426ba55a662dcf2f91057e436b2981817e61caeb15240d4e698ac|title=Harding Academy Form 990 2015|publisher=ProPublica|access-date=January 6, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2018 enrollment was 493, with an average class size of 18 and an 8:1 student to teacher ratio. Approximately 68% of the teachers on staff had advanced degrees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hardingacademy.org/page/about/at-a-glance|title=Harding Academy {{!}} At a Glance|website=www.hardingacademy.org|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hardingacademy.org/page|title=Harding Academy {{!}} A Private PK-8 School in Nashville, TN.|website=www.hardingacademy.org|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730021854/https://www.hardingacademy.org/page|archive-date=July 30, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
* '''Harpeth Hall School''' is a private school for girls in grades 5–12. Founded in 1865, in 2018 it had an enrollment of 689, with an average class size of 14.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.harpethhall.org/about/why-harpeth-hall|title=Why Harpeth Hall - Harpeth Hall School|website=www.harpethhall.org|language=en-US|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref> Various extracurricular activities are available in addition to academics.
* '''[[Montgomery Bell Academy]]''' is a private school founded in 1867 for boys in grades 7–12. Current enrollment is 850 students, with a student to teacher ratio of 7.5:1 and an average class size of 13. Approximately 74% of the faculty has advanced degrees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.montgomerybell.edu/page/about-mba/facts--figures|title=Montgomery Bell Academy - A Premier Independent School in Nashville, TN ~ Facts & Figures|website=www.montgomerybell.edu|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref>
* '''[[The Ensworth School]]'s Lower/Middle School''' campus is located just northeast of Belle Meade. In 2018 it had an enrollment of 423 in the lower school and 248 in the middle school, and approximately 67% of teachers had advanced degrees. The student to teacher ratio was 7:1 with an average class size of 15.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ensworth.com/page/explore/ensworth-at-a-glance|title=Ensworth at a Glance {{!}} Ensworth|website=www.ensworth.com|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref> Extracurricular activities include swimming, ice hockey, and lacrosse.

Several colleges and universities are located within a few miles of Belle Meade, including [[Vanderbilt University]], [[Nashville State Community College]], [[Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology|Tennessee College of Applied Technology]], and [[Aquinas College (Tennessee)|Aquinas College]].

== Infrastructure ==
Belle Meade has its own Public Works Department offering trash pickup; recycling service for paper, boxes, some plastics, and metal and aluminum cans; and brush and chipper services for lawn and landscaping debris.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.citybellemeade.org/streets/|title=City of Belle Meade, TN – Public Works (Streets)|website=citybellemeade.org|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref> The city also maintains its own pressure sewer system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.citybellemeade.org/sewer/|title=City of Belle Meade, TN – Public Works (Sewers)|website=citybellemeade.org|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref>

The city maintains its own police department and offers various services to the community in addition to routine policing. Those services include a neighborhood watch program, fingerprinting, prescription drug collection, house check service when owners are out of town, and hiring of off-duty officers for special events.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.citybellemeade.org/police-department/|title=City of Belle Meade, TN – Police Department|website=citybellemeade.org|access-date=July 29, 2018}}</ref>

==Notable people==
Belle Meade residents include former U.S. vice president and 2000 presidential candidate [[Al Gore]];<ref>Joshua Chaffee, [https://web.archive.org/web/20150722002038/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/51810048/t/al-gore-has-nobel-oscar-big-empty-house/#.Vau0BxNViko Al Gore has a Nobel, an Oscar, and a big empty house], ''NBC News'', July 5, 2013</ref> entertainers [[Vince Gill]] and [[Amy Grant]];<ref>Vicki Stout, [http://www.tennessean.com/story/life/2014/12/15/symphony-ball-patrons-party/20447633/ Symphony Ball Patrons Party], ''The Tennessean'', December 15, 2014</ref> [[Pulitzer Prize]] winning author [[Jon Meacham]];<ref name="nashpostheadlinehomesmeacham">{{cite news|url=https://www.nashvillepost.com/home/article/20462274/headline-homes-nashvilles-top-sales-december-2011|title=Headline Homes: Nashville's top sales, December 2011|date=January 15, 2012|work=Nashville Post|access-date=June 9, 2018}}</ref> Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court [[Frank Drowota]];<ref name="dailynewsaward">{{cite web|url=http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/ArticleEmail.aspx?id=30874|title=Drowota Reflects on Receiving Award Named in His Honor|last1=Gudehus|first1=Leslie J.|website=memphisdailynews.com|publisher=The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122101014/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/ArticleEmail.aspx?id=30874|archive-date=November 22, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=November 18, 2015}}</ref> co-founder and former CEO of [[Hospital Corporation of America]] [[Thomas F. Frist, Jr.]];<ref>Molly Cate, [http://nashvillepost.com/news/2002/6/30/the_house_that_frist_built The House that Frist Built], ''Nashville Post'', July 1, 2002</ref> Frist's son, investor [[Thomas F. Frist, III]];<ref name="jrlind">J.R. Lind, [http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/glimpse-most-expensive-homes-nashville A glimpse at the most expensive homes in Nashville] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721143059/http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/glimpse-most-expensive-homes-nashville |date=July 21, 2015 }}, ''Nashville City Paper'', August 26, 2012</ref> convicted cocaine smuggler [[Russell Brothers|Russell W. Brothers]];<ref name="statemakesrecord">{{cite web|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1988-11-02/news/8803040323_1_statewide-prosecutor-seizure-drug-profits|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045615/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1988-11-02/news/8803040323_1_statewide-prosecutor-seizure-drug-profits|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2016|title=State Makes Record Seizure Drug Smuggler Forfeits Properties|last1=Krause|first1=Renee|date=November 2, 1988|website=[[Sun Sentinel]]|publisher=Tribune Publishing|location=Broward County, Florida|access-date=November 22, 2015}}</ref> fast food business executive [[C. Stephen Lynn]];<ref name="jrlind" /> and chairman and CEO of [[Ingram Content Group]] [[John R. Ingram (businessman)|John R. Ingram]].<ref name="jrlind" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Belle Meade, Tennessee}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|last1=Tidwell|first1=Oliver Cromwell Jr.|title=Belle Meade Park|date=1983|publisher=O.C. Tidwell|location=Nashville, Tennessee|oclc=9828063}}

==External links==
{{Portal|United States}}
* [http://www.citybellemeade.org City of Belle Meade official website]

{{Davidson County, Tennessee}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Belle Meade, Tennessee}}
[[Category:Belle Meade, Tennessee| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Cities in Davidson County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Cities in Nashville metropolitan area]]