Sperry-Smith House

White County, Tennessee's Sperry-Smith house was constructed in 1880 by Thomas Lowry Sperry. The home was constructed in the Italianate architectural style. This architectural style is very rare in the Upper Cumberland region. The home features bay windows on each of the side elevations, and a very ornamental full facade entry porch. The porch, as well as the single dormer features ornate ornamentation. The home originally featured a tower on its west elevation, but it has since been removed. The Sperry family were originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, but migrated to Sparta in 1827. Sperry became one of Sparta's most prominent merchants. He was also a land speculator, and builder. Shortly after building this house in 1880, the economy hit a rough patch and Sperry was forced to sell his house. The house was first acquired by Jesse D. Goff, and later by W.L. Dibrell. Neither Goff nor Dibrell were able to pay off the home's lien. After two years of litigation, the Sperry-Smith house was acquired by William Templeton Smith. Smith was a prominent Sparta lawyer. The home remained in his family until 1970. Since then, the Sperry-Smith home has remained privately owned. In 1996 the home was listed in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C for its significance in architecture. The Sperry-Smith home serves as an example of successful historic preservation, and also serves as one of the most unique examples of architecture in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee.

    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.