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.