154-0010

South Franklin Street Historic District

Montgomery (County)

VLR Listing Date

1989-06-20

NRHP Listing Date

1991-01-10

NHL Listing Date

NA

NRHP Reference Number

90002007

South Franklin Street in the Montgomery County town of Christiansburg was platted in the 1790s and was gradually built up over the next century. Today the South Franklin Street Historic District preserves a predictable mix of residential types with two individually significant dwellings. The mid-19th-century Miller House, a frame I-house fronted by square columns, was the home of Charles Edie Miller, cousin of the noted folk artist, Lewis Miller, who visited here and drew many scenes of life in the town and surrounding area. Unique is the dwelling known as The Huts, designed in 1919 by Mrs. William A. Rice who had lived in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) with her husband, a tobacco executive. Upon settling in Christiansburg, Mrs. Rice determined to build a house reminiscent of the native round huts she had known in Africa. The Huts is apparently the only Virginia house whose design is unquestionably inspired by African precedent.

The South Franklin Street Historic District was listed in the registers under the Prehistoric and Historic Resources of Montgomery County MPD.

Last Updated: June 2, 2023

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

Photo credit: Mike Pulice/DHR, 2022

For additional information Read

Nomination Form

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