Thomas Black House

McMinnville, Tennessee's Thomas Black House, or most simply known as the Black House, was constructed in 1825 and is thought to be the oldest home in McMinnville and Warren County. The home was constructed for Jesse Coffee, but according to the home's National Register Nomination form, Coffee only lived in this home for one year, before he and his family moved to the nearby community of Viola. For the next four years the home was inhabited by Revolutionary War veteran James Sheppard. The home was finally purchased by Samuel Hervey Laughlin in 1830. Laughlin was the editor of the Nashville Banner and Nashville Union newspapers. He also served in the Tennessee Senate. The home was later owned for a time by horticulture expert, Judith Turner Harrison. Harrison was known for introducing many new species of shrubs and trees to Warren County. In 1874, the family for which the home takes its name purchased it. Dr. Thomas Black was a well known Warren County physician and served a single term as McMinnville mayor in the 1880s. From 1874 until 1983 the Black House was owned by descendants of the Black family. In 1983 the Black House was purchased by the Eagle Fund and was restored. The home is one of the finest examples of Federal style architecture in the Upper Cumberland. It features five bays on the facade and a small portico above the front entry door. All the brick is hand hewn and has been painted red. On November 17, 1983 the Black House was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The home was listed under Criteria B for its associations with numerous famous persons, and Criteria C for its architectural significance and integrity.

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.