The Black House is the oldest remaining house in McMinnville, Tennessee.
Built on acreage that was originally outside the city limits of McMinnville, this house is a good example of the Federal style that once lined our city's streets.
Jesse Coffee built the home in 1825, but removed himself and his family to Viola the next year. This restored structure was subsequently home to a Revolutionary War solider, Lt. James Sheppard, and to Samuel Laughlin (a close friend of President James K. Polk) and to Judith Harrison. Mrs. Harrison planted the large magnolias in the front yard and helped introduce horticulture to McMinnville, leading to the city's number of renowned gardens in the 1800's.
A Confederate surgeon, Thomas Black (1837-1904), purchased the home in the days after the War Between the States and maintained his clinic and office there.
His granddaughter, Jean Leonard, deeded the house and contents to the Eagle Fund for restoration in the mid-1980s. The house has been partially restored and includes many period furnishings throughout the home.
After many years of restoration, The Black House has opened its' doors to the public for tours.
The Black House is on the
National Register of Historic Places.
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