In 1941, the esteemed mid-twentieth century American architect, J. Frazer Smith, declared, "The dwelling is the symbol of the character of our people. Not even our school buildings or churches have so continuously and so completely revealed our culture. Wherever a group of newcomers to America has successfully adapted itself to an environment¿comfortable and beautiful houses have been built¿.A suitable style of domestic architecture is the hallmark of every successful section of the United States." Williamson County, Tennessee, is a prime expression of Mr. Smith's sentiments, and in its towns and villages, as well as its rural landscape, it features numerous examples of meticulously designed and well-crafted homes. This newest book from Grandin Hood Publishers features captivating, full-color photographs and accompanying text for almost eighty Williamson County properties highlighting some of the South's most beautiful and memorable architectural gems. Williamson's two-and-one-quarter century journey toward architectural excellence began as soon as the first settlers arrived in the late eighteenth century. Making use of the plentiful natural resources found around them-virgin hardwood forests, outcrops of quality limestone, and abundant clay for brick manufacture-early builders focused on simple single and double log cabins to fill their immediate needs.By the time residents had improved their fortunes and set their sights on more commodious homes, new styles of design-Glorified Pioneer, Federal, and Greek Revival-had arrived to influence architectural choices. Large, well-appointed manor houses flourished in the rural areas, and town houses and commercial structures thrived in Franklin and the larger villages. By the end of the nineteenth century, Williamson Countians boasted some of America's most distinguished residences, many of which still exist and are featured in the present work.
