Fite-Williams-Ligon House

Carthage, Tennessee's Fite-Williams-Ligon House was constructed in 1850. The home started life as a two story, single pen structure. In 1877, the home was updated to its current appearance. The home is one of the Upper Cumberland's only examples of the Italianate architectural style. Like all Italianate style homes, this home contains "floor to ceiling" windows, and curved transoms above the entry doors. The home also features a double portico, and an open air, central hall floor plan. The interior is dominated by a stairway in the central hall and original mantels in the upstairs and downstairs sections. The home features a bay window at its western most edge. The home is situated on a bluff about a half mile from the Cumberland River, just west of Carthage's commercial district. During this home's period of historical significance, it was owned by three notable Carthage families. According to the home's National Register of Historic Places nomination, the earliest record of this home records it being used as a Federal hospital during the Civil War. The nomination goes on to state that in 1873, the home was purchased by Confederate Colonel John Armenus Fite. Fite had been captured at Gettysburg and was imprisoned for two years at Johnson's Island, Ohio. Upon returning from the War, he established a law practice in Carthage. In addition to his private practice, Fite served as Clerk and Master of Chancery Court, 5th Judicial Circuit Judge, Tennessee Adjunct General, and President of the Smith County Bank. In 1905, Fite sold this home to Carthage businessman J.W. "Wint" Williams. Williams was a well known entrepreneur who had founded the Carthage Packet Company. Williams also led the charge in getting a new steel bridge constructed over the Caney Fork River, and he was also the founder of the First National Bank of Carthage. Following the death of Williams, Carthage mayor Letcher Alexander "L.A." Ligon, purchased the property out of the Williams estate. During his time as mayor, Ligon was responsible for the establishment of several Carthage schools. When Ligon died in 1947, the home was passed through several different private owners. In 2003 the home was listed in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C for its historical and architectural significance. Today the home remains privately owned and can be yours as it is currently for sale. The Fite-Williams-Ligon House is one of the oldest homes in Carthage, and is a rare example of the Italianate architectural style in the Upper Cumberland.

Fite-Williams-Ligon House real estate listing: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/212-Fite-Ave-W-Carthage-TN-37030/42372811_zpid/

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.