James R. DeBow House

Trousdale County, Tennessee's James R. DeBow House was constructed between 1854 and 1870. Construction on the home was delayed due to the Civil War. The home is a perfect example of the Italianate style in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. The home sits on a cut limestone foundation, with walls sheathed in brick, a double portico, and a slate roof. The walls feature three layers of brick, and the slates on the roof, were imported from England. The windows, doors, and trim on this home are typical of the Italianate style. The windows, and doors are curved at their top, and the cornice all have wide entablature and overhanging eaves. No two windows are the same size, due to them being milled on site. The home's four original chimneys and cast iron lightening rods all remain intact. The interior of the home, features a central hall floor plan, with three rooms on each floor. The land that the home sits on was given as a land grant to Fredrick DeBow for his service in the American Revolutionary War. James R. DeBow (grandson) inherited this land and began construction of his family's home. As noted above, construction on the Italianate style structure began in 1854 and was not completed until 1870. Construction was delayed due to the Civil War. During the halt in construction, the partially completed home was used by Union soldiers as a hospital following General John Hunt Morgan's 1862 raid on Hartsville. Following the Civil War and completion of his home, DeBow became involved in early politics in Trousdale County. He drew up the boundary lines of the county and pushed for its establishment. Some reports state that the meeting to officially draw up and approve the proposed boundary lines of the county was held in the front parlor of DeBow's home. In the late 1800s, the home was sold out of the DeBow family and has had a variety of owners since. The home remains privately owned as of 2019. In 1988, the DeBow House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C for its architectural significance. The home remains one of the Upper Cumberland's finest examples of the Italianate architectural style.

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.