Mitchell House

Constructed in 1906, the Mitchell House, located in Lebanon, Tennessee, will be the subject of this week's Throwback Thursday presented by Moore Historical Consulting. This home is one of the finest examples of the Neo-Classical architectural style in Tennessee. The home was built by Dr. David Mitchell. Mitchell was the president of Cumberland University and one of the founders of Castle Heights Military Academy. The house contains ornamental woodwork, and chandeliers and rugs that were imported from Italy and Austria respectively. The Mitchell family lived in this home until 1923. Following an outbreak of Typhoid Fever, Mitchell's wife died. Dr. Mitchell was so heartbroken that he left his children in the care of their mother's parents and went to California. The house set empty until 1936, when Castle Heights Military Academy purchased it. The school converted the home into a junior school known as McFadden Hall. The home remained in this capacity until Castle Heights closed in 1986. The home then set vacant until 1997 when it was purchased by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Cracker Barrel's founder, Dan Evins, was a graduate of Castle Heights, and he wanted to preserve the old home. Using the original construction drawings, the home was restored to its former glory. The home became the new location of Cracker Barrel's corporate offices. In 2013, Cracker Barrel sold the home to the Sigma Pi Fraternity, who currently use the home for their national headquarters. In 1979 the Mitchell House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C for its local significance in architecture.

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.