Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 03/19/1997
NRHP Listing Date 05/23/1997
DHR's Virginia Board of Historic Resources easement
NRHP Reference Number 97000485
Though Green Falls is obviously a dwelling of great age, its construction date is uncertain. Claims have been made that the house was built in 1710 for Richard Johnston. Architectural evidence, however, points to a date in the second or third quarter of the 18th century. The Caroline County house thus could have been the building that served as Johnston’s Tavern, for which Thomas Johnston was issued a tavern license in 1747. The property was acquired in 1800 by Robert Wright, who added the south wing around 1808. The house is distinguished by its tall proportions and side-passage plan. The dominant features are the massive brick chimneys. Some early trim survives on the interior, but most dates from the mid-19th century. On the grounds is an 18th-century smokehouse. Seen across the fields, the house presents a memorable picture of Tidewater’s early cultural landscape.
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: June 29, 2021
