Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 04/18/1972
NRHP Listing Date 11/03/1972
NRHP Reference Number 72001378
John Wharton, a maritime merchant and native of Accomack County, had this Federal mansion constructed shortly after he purchased the property in 1798. Wharton made his new home the headquarters of his various business interests and maintained a landing for his ships on Assawoman Creek, within sight of the house. With its graceful exterior proportions, lavish use of marble trimmings, and rich interior plasterwork and woodwork, Wharton Place is one of Virginia’s outstanding examples of the Federal style, appearing somewhat uncomfortably urbane in its isolated rural setting. Of special note are its mantels trimmed with applied classical-style composition ornaments signed by Robert Wellford of Philadelphia. Wellford supplied ornaments for fine houses throughout the eastern seaboard. His designs were based on contemporary English examples.
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: October 22, 2020
