Grounds closed from dusk to dawn. The history of the Trousdale family and Gallatin are well documented and forever connected. For his service in the Revolutionary War, Captain James Trousdale, Governor William Trousdale's father, received a 640-acre land grant from the state of North Carolina. In 1802, Tennessee purchased 40 acres of land from Captain Trousdale for $490 and the city of Gallatin, n
amed after Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin, was established. Plots of land were sold and businesses were built, including the first general store in Gallatin, which was opened by Andrew Jackson. Governor William Trousdale was born in Orange County, North Carolina on September 23, 1790. The family moved to Tennessee in 1796. He married Mary Ann Bugg in 1827 and they had 7 children. Five reached adulthood: Maria Louisa, Valeria, Charles, Julius, and Frances. William Trousdale was a veteran of the War of 1812, the Creek War, the Seminole War and the Mexican American War, earning him the name the "War Horse of Sumner County." He served as Governor of Tennessee from 1849 to 1851 and in 1853, President Franklin Pierce appointed Governor Trousdale Minister to Brazil, a post he served in until 1857. Charles, Governor Trousdale's eldest son, accompanied him to Brazil as his personal aid. In 1836, Governor Trousdale purchased a house, now known as Trousdale Place, located two city blocks west of the Gallatin Public Square. The home was built circa 1813 by John H. Bowen, a local attorney and member of Congress. Bowen died in 1822 and the house was aquired by William P. Rowles, the superintendent of The Gallatin Female Academy and a Methodist Clergyman. Governor Trousdale died in 1872 and when his wife Mary died in 1882, the house was left to their youngest son Julius Trousdale and his wife Annie Berry Trousdale. In 1899, Julius and the couple's only living daughter Mary passed away within weeks of each other. Annie Berry Trousdale was so overwhelmed by grief she moved to Nashville to live with her sister. In 1900, in memory of her husband Julius, who was a Confederate veteran, and in memory of veterans of all wars, she left the house to Clark Chapter #13 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. As time progressed, the legacy of service that the Trousdale family had established in Gallatin was carried on by the Daughters and thus, Trousdale Place continued to serve the community of Gallatin in one capacity or another. Early on, it was a library where one could read and study about the War Between the States and varioius other subjects. During World War II, the house was used as a USO and dances and events were held for soldiers who were in Gallatin on maneuvers. And for a period, it was a community center where friends could meet, catch up on local happenings and play tennis if they were so inclined. Today, Trousdale Place is owned and managed by the Trousdale Place Foundation,Inc., whose mission is to preserve the history of Trousdale Place and the history of the Trousdale family for future generations to study and enjoy. The house operates as a museum and is open for tours and special events. Visitors to Trousdale Place can view the original land grant given to Captain James Trousdale, thumb through vintage books in the small library downstairs, visit the hall of governors, gaze out the window of Mary Trousdale's bedroom, and sit in the parlor where Governor and Mrs. William Trousdale once welcomed and entertained guests. In September 2020, to ensure that Governor Trousdale's service to Gallatin and his country are always remembered, the Trousdale Place Foundation, Inc. worked with the honorable Mayor Paige Brown to draft a proclamation that declares September 23rd of each year Governor Trousdale Day. The foundation also works in conjunction with with other historic homes and attractions in Gallatin and Sumner County to preserve and promote Gallatin and Sumner County history. And by donating to charitable organizations that support veterans, as well as giving veterans a speaking platform at Trousdale Place, they continue to carry out Annie Berry Trousdale's wishes that the house and grounds be used to honor veterans of all wars.
