Cumberland: First for Independence >> Sights & Attractions

Sights & Attractions

Historic Homes

(on the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register and all privately owned)

Ampthill

Ampthill is located in the northern tip of Cumberland County on Route 602 (Ampthill Road). It was built 1735-1739 by Randolph Harrison of Clifton and is believed to have been designed by Thomas Jefferson. It was originally called The Fork because of its location between the James and Willis Rivers. There are many original appendages on the property.

Clifton

Clifton is located one mile north of Route 690 (Columbia Road) and Route 605 (Boston Hill Road) in northern Cumberland County on land patented in 1723 by Thomas Randolph. It was the home of Carter Henry Harrison who was a member of the committee which wrote the first publicly approved instructions for independence.

Morven

Morven, a highly refined Greek revival dwelling, was built in 1820 of native brick by Randolph Harrison as a wedding present for his daughter Jane who married William Randolph. Wings were added to the house in 1885 and 1895. Appendages include a smokehouse and ca.1890 schoolhouse.

Needham

Needham is located in southern Cumberland County near the Farmville town limits. This dwelling has the historical significance as the site of the first proprietary law school in the state of Virginia and home of its founder, Creed Taylor (1766-1836), politician, jurist, and legal educator. Needham Law School (1821-ca.1830) is the state's second law school and the fourth in the U. S.