The Fite- Fessenden House is historically significant to Lebanon as both an outstanding example of transitional style architecture and in its role as an educational institution. The home was first built in the Greek Revival style c. 1852. About 1870, the home was expanded and embellished with details in the fashionable Italianate style. The house was originally owned by Dr. James Leonidas Fite who began practicing medicine in Lebanon before the Civil War. In 1891 Dr. Fite’s daughter, Margaret Harsh, opened an elementary school in her parents’ home and operated it until she moved out of state in 1917. Mrs. Virginia Wooten then transferred her preparatory school for girls to the house, which she operated until 1920. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Fessenden acquired the property for their home in 1921. The family owned the house until 1983 when it was willed to the History Associates of Wilson County. This organization is charged with operating the Wilson County Museum at the site with the purpose to preserve and educate about Wilson County’s history. The group has steadily worked to restore the structure. They have received grants to replace the roof, repair exterior trim and window surrounds, and repoint the brick. The interior has been freshly painted and the collection cataloged.