Davis-Hull House

Carthage, Tennessee's Davis-Hull House was constructed in 1889 just north of downtown Carthage. The home is one of the Upper Cumberland's finest examples of both the Folk Victorian and Gable Front and Wing architectural styles. Homes in these styles were often times constructed of weatherboard, but the Davis-Hull House is sheathed entirely in brick. Its floor plan matches that of other homes of this style in the Upper Cumberland. The home has an "I" wing on its rear elevation. The home was designed and built by Calvin N. Davis. Known to Carthage locals as "Captain Davis," as he had served as a captain during the Civil War. He and his family had relocated from Nashville to Carthage in order to raise their eight children in a more rural area. Davis had been a wholesale merchant during his time in Nashville. Soon Davis became involved in the commercial life of Carthage. With the rise of the railroad industry, Davis established the Rewoda Milling Company and the Carthage Tobacco Works. These two entities were located across the Cumberland River from Carthage, in a community now known as South Carthage. Area farmers commonly brought grain and tobacco to both entities for processing and to sell. In 1900 this home was sold out of the Davis family. For five years it had various owners, but in 1906, William Hull purchased it. Hull is credited with being the first man to electrify Carthage. But perhaps more importantly then that, Hull was the father of future Secretary of State Cordell Hull. It is reported that the younger Hull only lived in the home in 1907, however he did maintain legal residence at the Carthage home while in Washington DC. Today the home remains privately owned. As with most historic homes and commercial buildings, the area around it has since modernized. The home is surrounded on all sides by modern developments that have sprung up along Carthage's Main Street. In 1983 the Davis-Hull House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in architecture and its association with the Davis and Hull families.

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.