Location and History

Location

The City of White House, Tennessee is located along Interstate 65 at the intersection of State Highway 76 and US Highway 31W.  White House covers eleven square miles and is situated about 22 miles north of downtown Nashville, laying in both Robertson and Sumner Counties.

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History of White House, TN

Earliest Settlers

A portion of property of about 123 acres laying in both Robertson and Sumner Counties was purchased around 1828 by Richard Stone Wilks, a

settler originally from Virginia.  He and others from Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina began to settle in middle Tennessee during this time.  An early trail to the area had been made by buffalo and Native Americans and ran from Kentucky to Nashville.  A map in the Tennessee State Archives dated 1799 shows the early Indian trails and territories of Tennessee.  This trail was referred to as the Louisville and Nashville (L&N) Turnpike during the mid-1800s.  In 1928, it became known as US Highway 31W.

How White House Got Its Name

Between the years of 1838 and 1858, the Carter, Thomas and Hough Stage Coach Company traveled the L&N Turnpike carrying passengers.  One of the stops along the route for food, lodging and to change out horses was a two-story house built around 1829 by Mr. Richard S. Wilks for the sum of $200.  The building happened to be painted white, which was particularly rare during this time, especially in the underdeveloped land between Louisville and Nashville.  Stage coach drivers and others began to refer to this stop and the surrounding area as “White House”. 

Growth and Development

Incorporated in 1971, the City of White House, Tennessee is a young city currently experiencing population growth, economic progress, and community development.  The city is located north of Nashville within the greater Nashville region and has already benefited greatly from the suburban expansion of Nashville during the 1990's. 

As a landmark community positioned on the borders of both Robertson County and Sumner County, and sitting astride Interstate 65 between Nashville and the Kentucky border, White House holds even greater potential for future growth and prosperity.

Town Monument

Although the monument for which the town was named was torn down in 1951 to make way for new development, a replica has since been erected.  In 1986, the community undertook the construction of a reproduction of this grand old building, which is now located on Highway 76 next to the White House Fire Department. 

The "White House Inn Library and Museum" is now home to the city’s public library and museum, which houses artifacts depicting life in early White House.  Early tools, furniture, photographs and historic documents are on exhibit.  The Chamber of Commerce is also located in this building.

Thanks to local historian, Ms. Evelyn Guill, for her contribution to this compilation.