Virginia State Seal Virginia Department of Historic Resources

041-5343 Dr. Richard Thornton House

Dr. Richard Thornton House
Photo credit: Scott Smith, 2009

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For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF

VLR Listing Date 09/20/2012

NRHP Listing Date 11/28/2012

NRHP Reference Number 12000987

Located in Halifax County, this house was built by Dr. Richard Thornton not long after he purchased the property in 1818. The Federal-style house has a unique floor plan that allowed it to function as both Thornton’s residence and medical office and as a place of lodging for travelers. At the time of his death in 1860, Thornton, among the most senior and wealthiest doctors in the county, had mentored many younger doctors in the area. The property includes associated historic outbuildings and a cemetery.


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 6, 2021