Boyd-Wilson Farm

Williamson County's Boyd-Wilson Farm was first settled as far back as the early 19th century. In 1840, William A. Boyd purchased the property and constructed a mill on the nearby Harpeth River. The mill was a turbine powered grist mill and served the needs of all nearby farmers. Boyd later built a dwelling on the property in that same year. In 1884 the house was expanded to its present appearance. The farmhouse features a mixture of the Italianate and Greek Revival architectural styles.   The Italianate influences are evident in the trim around the windows and doors of the house. The Greek Revival elements are evident in the full height entry porch on the home's facade. The home is most commonly classified as an "I-House" or a "Tennessee Federal." Like most 19th century homes, the Boyd-Wilson home features an open air floor plan. Like so many early 19th century farms, the Boyd-Wilson Farm became the lifeline of its community, "Bingham," due to the prosperity of its mills and its agricultural production. The Boyd family used the farm to produce hay, grain, and raise livestock. Most of these agricultural entities were sold to nearby farmers to assist in the upkeep of their own farms. Nearby farmers used the Natchez Trace to access the mill. The dirt driveway leading up to the house, was actually part of the Natchez Trace. Much of the grain that was processed at the mill, was used on the Boyd-Wilson Farm to feed the livestock. The mill and farm remained in the Boyd family until 1924, when it was sold to C.B. Wilson. The mill stayed in operation until the mid-1960s. In 1996 the Boyd-Wilson Farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places, under Criteria A, for its agricultural significance. The farm joined the Boyd Mill Ruins, which had been listed in 1988, in the National Register of Historic Places.

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.