Construction on the DeBow Home began in 1854 but was delayed during the Civil War. After Gen. Morgan's march on Hartsville in 1862, the partially completed house was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. It was completed in 1870 and officials met in the front parlor to determine the boundary lines for Trousdale County. On June 21, 1870, Trousdale became Tennessee's 90th county and DeBow became the Chairman of the County Commission.