Martin-Miller Farm

Warren County, Tennessee's Martin-Miller Farm traces its history back to the year 1802. Located in the Rock Island community, this farm is one of the oldest farms in the Upper Cumberland. The Rock Island community was a popular place for early Warren County settlers due to its location on the Caney Fork and Collins Rivers. This fact held true for the William Martin family. The Martin family came to Rock Island from North Carolina. They established their farm in its present location on the banks of Mud Creek. The Martin family farm became more then just about agriculture however, as the family operated a ferry, inn, and distillery. The farmstead became so popular among locals and river travelers, that it was given the nickname "The Rock." These non-agricultural entities led to a great deal of wealth for the Martin family. As a result, they replaced their log home with a bigger home. This home was constructed circa 1820 in the Federal architectural style. This house is one of only a handful of Federal style homes still extant in the Upper Cumberland. As with all Federal style homes, the Rock-Martin House, as it is known, features red brick, set in American Running Bond, and features chimneys on each elevation. The home features a rectangular floor plan, which is also common to homes of the Federal style. The home was designed with a central hall floor plan so that a natural breeze would help regulate the inside temperature. The home is a perfect example of Federal style architecture. The construction of the Martin family home was a major milestone in Tennessee and Upper Cumberland history, as most of the area was still frontier. The Rock-Martin House was a unique feature in the Warren County frontier. Sadly when the Civil War broke out, the Martin's business ventures suffered considerably. They also lost many grandsons who had enlisted in the war. Nathan Bedford Forrest and his troops camped on the Martin farm during their retreat from Murfreesboro. In June 1866, William Martin died. His wife passed four months later. The following year, James Wiley Miller and his family took up residence at "The Rock." The Miller family had a large operation of corn, wheat, rye, and oats, and they also raised livestock such as cows, oxen, hogs, and chicken. Members of the Miller family were also involved in local politics, they served as sheriff and judge. Over the next 100+ years, the Miller family's agricultural methods and practices evolved. Today the Martin-Miller farm is still owned by the Miller family. However the Rock-Martin House sits vacant. Many members of the Martin and Miller families are buried in the nearby Mud Creek-Shiloh Cemetery. The author has two maternal "Gribble" grandfathers buried in this cemetery as well. In 2005 the Martin-Miller Farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Agriculture is the back bone of the Upper Cumberland area and it is great to see so many of these historic farms that have been preserved, but sadly there is still work to do. Contact me today to find out how I can help YOU preserve YOUR farm.

At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own a historic home, commercial building, or farm? If so contact me today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies I offer. These include nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, nominations for a Permanent Conservation Easement, nominations to the Century Farms program, and writing text for historic makers. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.

Cowen Farmstead

The Cowen Farmstead traces its history back to the late 18th century. It is quite possibly the earliest farm to be settled in Putnam County. The home on the property is quite possibly the oldest home in the county as well. The farms derives its name from long hunter Ned Cowen. According to Randy William's National Register Nomination on the Cowen Farm, Ned Cowen was the first settler in the Caney Fork River Valley. Like many others in the Upper Cumberland area, Cowen chose to squat on his land. Cowen built his home in 1780. The home started off like so many others in the area as a log cabin and has evolved over the years. Many of the original historic features still remain on the home. These features include exposed chestnut logs, and five cut limestone fireplaces. The house features three dormers on the facade, as well as wood "gingerbread" ornamentation. Other structures on the farm include, but are not limited to a Dutch style barn, springhouse, washhouse, and a horse and buggy house. Most of the structures were constructed in the 19th century, but the springhouse dates back to 1790. It is unknown how long Ned Cowen resided on this farm. According to Randy William's National Register nomination, much of Cowen's life and his death is unknown. It is widely reported that Cowen was killed by Indians, but no record of his burial exists. The farm passed to Ned's son Matthew. Matthew lived on this farm until his death in 1865. The younger Cowen was a captain in the Third Regiment of West Tennessee Militia during the War of 1812. This regiment was known as the "Dirty Shirts" and they fought with Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. The Cowen Farmstead remained in the hands of Ned Cowen descendants until the mid 1970s, when it was sold to Mr. Richard Fahey. Fahey still owns and operates the farm today. He is to be commended for keeping the Cowen legacy alive and for preserving the home and its buildings, structures, and sites. In 2005 the Cowen Farmstead was nominated and subsequently accepted into the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A and C. Randy Williams is to be commended for the job he did on nominating this farm. His nomination was a vital resource, and inspiration to me as I prepared the nomination for nearby Carverdale Farms. Randy if you are reading this, job well done!!

At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own a historic home, commercial building, or farm? If so contact me today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies I offer. These include nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, nominations for a Permanent Conservation Easement, nominations to the Century Farms program, and writing text for historic makers. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.

Tulip Grove

Nashville's Tulip Grove was built in 1836 by William C. Hume and Joseph Rieff. The home was built on the grounds of the Hermitage estate for President Andrew Jackson's nephew Andrew Jackson Donelson. Once completed, Tulip Grove became one of the finest examples of Greek Revival Style architecture in Tennessee. The home was given the name Tulip Grove, due to it being surrounded by Tulip Poplar trees. There are some similarities and differences between Tulip Grove and The Hermitage. Tulip Grove features a full height entry porch, whereas The Hermitage features a full facade style entry porch. Tulip Grove features red brick on all sides, whereas The Hermitage features red brick on just the rear elevation. Both homes were designed and constructed by the same architects, and they both feature elaborate interior features such as staircases, and mantels. Both homes are close to the same size, with The Hermitage holding the slight advantage. Andrew Jackson Donelson had served in the War of 1812 with Andrew Jackson. He later served as Jackson's presidential secretary. Donelson was later appointed Minster to Prussia. In 1856 Donelson ran as the Vice Presidential candidate for the American Party, to Millard Fillmore. Following their defeat Donelson sold Tulip Grove and moved to West Tennessee. Tulip Grove changed hands multiple times until it was finally purchased by The Hermitage Ladies Association in 1963, who still operate the home today. Tulip Grove was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Both homes on The Hermitage property are fine examples of historic preservation done right.

At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own a historic home, commercial building, or farm? If so contact me today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies I offer. These include nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, nominations for a Permanent Conservation Easement, nominations to the Century Farms program, and writing text for historic makers. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.

Two Rivers (Franklin, Tennessee)

Two Rivers, or the Nicholas Tate Perkins house, was constructed around 1820 in the Williamson County countryside. Perkins had migrated to Tennessee from North Carolina. He had served in the Creek War. He was also involved in local politics, as he served on the grand jury and in the state legislature for many years. According to a census record, that was referenced in Two River's National Register of Historic Places nomination form, it says that Perkins owned approximately 700 acres and 24 slaves. Perkins designed his home in much the same style as his fellow Perkins family members had designed theirs. Once completed, Two Rivers became one of three fine examples of Federal Style architecture in Williamson County (Meeting of the Waters/Montpier). The entire house is sheathed in brick set in American Running Bond. Chimneys are located on both elevations. The interior of the house was originally designed in a central hall plan, but has since been remodeled. A rear brick addition was added in 1980. In 1843 when Nicholas Tate Perkins died, his son sold Two Rivers to Simeon Shy. Shy was a prominent landowner, but his son is most famous for what happened to him during the Civil War's Battle of Nashville. The younger Shy was killed during the battle up on a hill, while trying at all costs to defend his position upon the hill. His refusal to retreat and heroic actions led to the hill being named Shy's Hill. The younger Shy's body was returned to Two Rivers and is entombed in the backyard. The Shy family owned Two Rivers until 1890. During much of the 20th century, Two Rivers became in need of repair. Toward the end of the century the home was restored. Two Rivers continues to be privately owned. In 1988 Two Rivers was added to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C for its architectural significance. The beautiful Williamson County countryside is lucky to have all three Perkins homes still standing and in immaculate condition. They are all privately owned so make sure to respect the owner's privacy when admiring them from the road. Historic Preservation is truly an important part of these owners lives.

 At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own a historic home, commercial building, or farm? If so contact me today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies I offer. These include nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, nominations for a Permanent Conservation Easement, nominations to the Century Farms program, and writing text for historic makers. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.