002-0016

Cliffside

VLR Listing Date

10/20/1981

NRHP Listing Date

09/16/1982

NRHP Reference Number

82004536

Cliffside, sited on a steep hill overlooking the southern Albemarle County town of Scottsville, is a boldly detailed expression of Piedmont Virginia Federal-style architecture. Profiting from Scottsville’s rise to prosperity in the antebellum period as a canal and turnpike town, Gilly M. Lewis, a local doctor and mill owner, built Cliffside as his residence in 1835. The unusually well-preserved house is distinguished by its large scale, ambitious but somewhat provincial exterior detailing, and robust interior woodwork. As with many of the region’s early-19th-century houses, the crisply white classical trim is set off by red brick walls. Cliffside served as Gen. Philip Sheridan’s headquarters during a Union raid of Scottsville in March 1865, and also as the quarters of Gen. George A. Custer.

Last Updated: January 23, 2024

Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.

Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

For additional information Read

Nomination Form

298-5003

Scottsville Tire Cord Plant Historic District

Albemarle (County)

002-0300

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Albemarle (County)

104-5276-0064

Jackson P. Burley High School

Albemarle (County)