Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 08/18/1993
NRHP Listing Date 10/29/1993
NRHP Reference Number 93001126
The William Mackey House illustrates the transition from rude frontier structures to solid, permanent dwellings with architectural pretensions that occurred in the Shenandoah Valley in the late 18th century. Compared with its simple log predecessors, the limestone-built Mackey House is a sophisticated structure with finely crafted detailing, including an elegant classical cornice. Except for a front porch and a rear wing, both added around 1900, the house survives without significant alteration, preserving nearly all of its original interior woodwork. It was built in 1796 for William Mackey, son of the Scottish immigrant and Rockbridge County pioneer, John Mackey. The property, situated in an exceptionally scenic section of the county, remains in the ownership of Mackey’s descendants, and is one of the oldest family holdings in the region.
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
Updated: December 10, 2021
