Lexington, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Jacob Ruff House, ca. 1829
Historic Lexington
This house is a fine example of the Valley Federal style with elegant detailing including the fanlight over the front door and a molded brick cornice. When the streets were lowered in 1851, the entrance was reoriented to the side. The Ruff Family had a hat factory next door in the early 1800s, but used this house as a showroom and living space. In 1850 John Ruff deeded the property to his son, Jacob Ruff, with permission to build a future house between the two properties. That may explain the curious cantilevered chimney on the north side of the building. If the house had been built, it could have shared this chimney. At the invitation of Jacob Ruff, then mayor, U.S. President Millard Fillmore visited this house in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. G. Otis Meade III purchased the property from Historic Lexington Foundation in 1974 and carefully restored and adapted it for use as a real estate office. (Photo ca. 1925)
Erected by Historic Lexington Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #13 Millard Fillmore series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location. 37° 47.13′ N, 79° 26.482′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Virginia
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lt. Gen. L.B. Puller (here, next to this marker); Gen. John Lejeune (a few steps from this marker); Willson-Walker House, ca. 1820 (a few steps from this marker); Jonathan Daniels (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Ephraim McDowell (within shouting distance of this marker); Harry Lee & Eliza Walker (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. George S. Patton (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sheridan Livery Inn, 1887 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 21, 2012
2. Marker in Lexington
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 21, 2012
3. The Jacob Ruff House Markers
Both markers are visible in this photo.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 21, 2012
4. The Jacob Ruff House
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 21, 2012
5. Additional plaque on the Jacob Ruff House
Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,390 times since then and 121 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 9, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 24, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
