Mitchell House (Lebanon, Tennessee)

The Mitchell House is a Neo-Classical Revival Style building in Lebanon, Tennessee, that was built as a home by Dr. David Mitchell and his wife, Elizabeth. It was designed by architects Thompson, Gibel & Asmus. Construction began in 1906 and was completed in 1910 with 10,600 square feet of living space. At the time, Dr. Mitchell was the president of Cumberland University and a co-founder of Castle Heights Military Academy. Craftsmen were brought in to work on the extensive millwork and wood panelings and floors. Chandeliers were imported from Italy and rugs were imported from Austria. While the Mitchells lived in the home, it was used for many community events and weddings. In 1919, there was a typhoid outbreak in the area and both of the Mitchells’ children became sick. Mrs. Mitchell nursed them both back to health before becoming ill with the disease herself. She died three days later at the age of 42. Dr. Mitchell was heartbroken and moved to California, leaving his children in the care of their maternal grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. Arthur Smith. They lived in the house until 1923 before moving the children to Florida. The home would stay empty until 1936. While living in California, Dr. Mitchell deeded the house to his children to keep it from being foreclosed on by creditors. The children would never live in the house and sold it to Castle Heights Military Academy

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