Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 12/12/1989
NRHP Listing Date 12/28/1990
DHR Virginia Board of Historic Resources easement
NRHP Reference Number 90002014
The highly refined Greek Revival dwelling of Morven was built in 1820 by Randolph Harrison as a wedding present for his daughter Jane. The house was never part of a working farm but rather served as a rural retreat for its owners. Though modest in scale, Morven exhibits outstanding craftsmanship. The Flemish-bond brickwork is unusually precise. The wood trim consists of academically correct Greek moldings which are incorporated in the pedimented gable ends. A classical tablet decorates the east gable. Unusual are the single-sash, second-floor windows, each of which raises in a wall pocket behind the cornice. Architecturally harmonious rear wings were added to the original I-house in 1885 and 1895. In the shady surrounding yard is an early smokehouse and a ca. 1890 schoolhouse. The Morven property, located in Cumberland County, was acquired by George W. Bogart in 1870 and remained in the ownership of his descendants through the close of the 20th century.
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: August 9, 2022
