Trousdale Place facts for kids
Trousdale Place is a special old house in Gallatin, Sumner County, Tennessee. It was once the home of two important people: John H. Bowen, a local lawyer and a member of the U.S. Congress, and William Trousdale, who became the Governor of Tennessee.
Quick facts for kids |
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Trousdale Place
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 183 W. Main St., Gallatin, Tennessee |
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| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001793 |
| Added to NRHP | June 5, 1975 |
Contents
What Trousdale Place Looks Like
Trousdale Place is a two-story house built with bricks. It's designed in a style called Federal style. This means it has a balanced, classic look that was popular in the early 1800s. The bricks are laid in a special pattern called "Flemish bond," which makes the walls very strong.
The Story of Trousdale Place
Early Days and Owners
A man named John Bowen built this house around 1813. He was a lawyer in the area and even served in the U.S. Congress. John Bowen passed away in 1822.
Before the house was built, the land was part of a North Carolina "land grant." This was like a payment of land given to James Trousdale, a soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War. He later sold this part of the land, which helped create the town of Gallatin.
Governor William Trousdale's Home
Years later, in 1836, James Trousdale's son, William Trousdale, bought the house. William Trousdale was a very important person in Tennessee. He later became the Governor of Tennessee. The house was his main home until he died there in 1872.
His wife continued to live in the house for about ten more years. After she passed away, the house went to their son, Julius Trousdale.
A New Purpose for the House
In 1899, Julius and his only living child passed away. Julius's wife, Annie Berry Trousdale, then gave the house to a local group called the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Since that time, the house has been known as Trousdale Place. A monument honoring Confederate soldiers was placed on the front lawn in 1903.
A Historic Landmark and Museum
Trousdale Place was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
In the 1970s, the Sumner County Museum started as a small collection of items displayed inside Trousdale Place. By 1979, the museum grew and was allowed to build its own building right on the grounds of Trousdale Place.
Today, Trousdale Place shares its property with the Sumner County Museum. You can visit the house for tours by making an appointment. Inside, you'll find some of the original furniture that belonged to the Trousdale family. There's also a small library with books about the Confederacy.
