The Leon County Florida 1860 Agricultural Census shows that Bellevue Plantation had the following: During Catherine's years at Bellevue, she became involved in America's first successful preservation effort of Mount Vernon, George Washington's home, through the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.

She was appointed Vice Regent for Florida, the title given the central person in each state organizing the association's work.

During the Civil War, Murat participated in the local "Soldiers Aid Societies," which met as sewing circles to clothe the southern troops.

Early in 1866, Napoleon III, who had come to power in France in 1849, granted Murat an annuity from the French government in consideration of her losses during the Civil War.

In June 1883, Bellevue, now at 357 acres (144 ha) of land, was sold to Edward Smeaton Thomson of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.