Top 10 OLD MONEY Communities in THE SOUTH

Old Money Communities in the South

This video explores the top 10 old money communities in the southern United States. It discusses their history, how they accumulated their wealth, and what makes them unique.

Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee

• Lookout Mountain is an upscale part of town straddling the Tennessee and Georgia border.

• The vast amounts of wealth come from old Coca-Cola money as Chattanooga was the site of the world's first Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

• Lookout Mountain is known for its luxurious homes as well as breathtaking views and tourist attractions such as the Steep incline railway Ruby Falls Sunset Rock and the battles for Chattanooga Museum.

Middleburg, Virginia

• Middleburg is a small country town known for its rich history, Inns and Resorts, and equestrian lifestyle.

• Residents here are descendants of the first families of Virginia who were granted large estates by the British crown during colonial times.

• Today it's actually quite normal to see some of its well-heeled locals walking fully clad in equestrian gear while walking their foxhounds.

Charleston, South Carolina

• Charleston was once one of America's wealthiest cities due to its involvement in slave trade and plantation culture.

• Similar to other colonial states South Carolina had its own first families that were known as wealthy Elite ruling class during antebellum years leading up to Civil War many were based in Charleston.

• Ultimately, Civil War brought financial ruin for much of wealthy Elite as they had sided with Confederacy.

Palm Beach, Florida

• Palm Beach is a barrier island located in South Florida.

• It was originally developed as a resort by Henry Flagler, an American industrialist and founder of Standard Oil.

• Today, Palm Beach is known for its luxurious homes, high-end shopping, and beautiful beaches.

Buckhead, Atlanta

• Buckhead is an affluent district in Atlanta known for its upscale shopping centers and fine dining restaurants.

• The area's wealth can be traced back to the early 20th century when it became a popular destination for wealthy Atlantans looking to escape the city's heat.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

• Kiawah Island is a barrier island located off the coast of South Carolina.

• It was originally purchased by Kuwait Investment Authority in 1988 and has since become a popular destination for golfers and beachgoers alike.

• The island is home to several luxury resorts and private residences.

Sea Island, Georgia

• Sea Island is another barrier island located off the coast of Georgia.

• It has been a popular vacation spot for wealthy Americans since the early 20th century due to its beautiful beaches and world-class amenities.

• Today, Sea Island is home to several luxury resorts and private residences.

Belle Meade Plantation, Nashville

• Belle Meade Plantation was once one of America's largest thoroughbred horse farms.

• Today it serves as a museum that offers tours of the historic mansion and grounds.

• The plantation played an important role in shaping Nashville's history during antebellum years.

The Biltmore Estate, Asheville

• The Biltmore Estate is a historic mansion located in Asheville, North Carolina.

• It was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century and is still owned by his descendants today.

• The estate features beautiful gardens, a winery, and several restaurants.

Natchez, Mississippi

• Natchez is a small town located on the banks of the Mississippi River.

• It was once home to some of America's wealthiest plantation owners during antebellum years.

• Today, Natchez is known for its beautiful antebellum homes and historic downtown district.

Wealthiest Cities in the South

This transcript discusses the wealthiest cities in the southern United States and how they gained their wealth.

Charleston, South Carolina

• Charleston is a highly attractive tourist destination with a plethora of historic sites to visit.

• The Southern Gentry still remain in Charleston, but they are outnumbered by the new old money mainly The Heirs of wealthy Northern industrialists who had paid their way into Charleston during the Gilded Age.

Natchez, Mississippi

• Natchez is known for its Grand Antebellum homes and for having a tense history situated along the Mississippi River.

• Natchez was home to the biggest slave market in the south so much so that by 1850 half the millionaires in America lived at the top of the Natchez Bluffs.

• Today, it is known to have one of the most endless displays of old Antebellum mansions in entire United States.

Savannah, Georgia

• Savannah's downtown historic district features magnificent townhouses underneath canopies of oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.

• Many grew wealthy through cotton and rice plantations provided by free slave labor.

• Though Savannah's economy crumbled during Civil War legend has it that city was spared from destruction due to Union Army becoming so mesmerized by its beauty it was instead offered as a Christmas gift to President Lincoln.

New Orleans, Louisiana

• New Orleans was settled by the French then the Spanish then the French again and finally the Americans making the old wealthy Elite from a diverse lineage.

• By mid-1800s, many of prosperous plantation owners and traders who wanted to show off their wealth moved into townhouses in the French Quarter.

• Today, New Orleans retains its wealth by specializing in Aerospace manufacturing petrochemicals and of course tourism.

Mountain Brook, Alabama

• Mountain Brook is known as one of the wealthiest cities in entire South.

• Though this small city of 22,000 only goes back a handful of generations they wasted no time establishing a pedigree-based society even moving in some of oldest money in Alabama.

Top 10 Old Money Communities in the South

This video discusses the top 10 old money communities in the southern United States. These communities are known for their affluent residents, historic homes, and exclusive social structures.

Highland Park, Texas

• Established by Dallas Gentry in the late 1800s

• Known for rigid social structures, private clubs, and Ivy League graduates

• Affluent residents suffer from "affluenza"

Bellmeade, Tennessee

• Formerly a plantation sold off in 1906 and developed into a suburb

• Home to old money families and high-profile individuals

• Has an exclusive country club and elite private schools

Palm Beach, Florida

• Old money still has a tight grip on this glitzy resort town

• Developed by standard oil tycoon Henry Flagler during the Gilded Age

• Heirs of wealthy families can be seen on Worth Avenue or golfing at private courses

Other Locations Not Mentioned

• There were too many locations to choose from in North Carolina.

• Viewers are encouraged to share other locations that should have made this list.

Conclusion

The video concludes by thanking viewers for watching and encourages them to like, subscribe, and share their thoughts in the comments section.