Near Fairfield in Rockbridge County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Red House and the McDowell Family

Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 19, 2009

1. Red House and the McDowell Family Marker

Inscription. Nearby once stood a log house painted red built by the McDowell family. John McDowell received land here for surveying Borden's Grant in the late 1730's. In 1742 McDowell was killed during a conflict between settlers and Indians. Dr. Ephraim McDowell, grandson of John McDowell, was born nearby on 11 November 1771. When he was 13 years old his family moved to Kentucky and he later became a prominent physician. He is referred to as the "father of ovariotomy surgery." A nearby cemetery contains the grave of kinsman James McDowell, governor of Virginia from 1843 to 1845.

Erected 2000 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number A-45.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 11, 1771.

Location. 37° 52.068′ N, 79° 18.615′ W. Marker is near Fairfield, Virginia, in Rockbridge County. Marker is on North Lee Highway (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling south. Located at a crossover on Route 11 alongside the McDowell's Grave (A-43) and

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the Dr. Ephraim McDowell markers. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairfield VA 24435, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Dr. Ephraim McDowell (here, next to this marker); McDowell's Grave (here, next to this marker); Cherry Grove Estate (approx. ¾ mile away); Timber Ridge Church (approx. 3.1 miles away); Liberty Hall Academy (approx. 3.1 miles away); Church Hill (approx. 3.2 miles away); Birthplace of Sam Houston (approx. 3.2 miles away); a different marker also named Birthplace of Sam Houston (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfield.

Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 19, 2009

2. Red House and the McDowell Family Marker

Shown alongside markers McDowell's Grave (A 43) and Dr. Ephraim McDowell.

Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 19, 2009

3. Red House and the McDowell Family Marker

Looking north

Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 19, 2009

4. Red House and the McDowell Family Marker

Side view looking west

Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,725 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 28, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.