Photo: Information on display in the window

Photographer: Devry Becker Jones (CC0)
Taken: October 7, 2018
Caption: Information on display in the window
Additional Description: The Fairfax House

The Fairfax Story
The James Collier Marshall Home, known as The Fairfax House, was built between 1839 and 1841 in the area now known as Rock Hill, Missouri. Fairfax is the oldest remaining braced timer construction home in the state.

Fairfax was built on Marshall land which consisted of almost 900 acres from Brentwood to Ladue to Glendale and Webster Groves. Therefore, the Fairfax House represents the history before the history of the area during American westward expansion and the Civil War.

The house currently resides at 9401 Manchester Road, across from its original location and still on former Marshall land.

In 2004, The Fairfax House was placed on the National Register of Historic Place.

Distinguished History
James Collier Marshall was a pioneer and entrepreneur. Along with his brother John and their wives, he established a trading post and stage coach stop near where the Trainwreck Saloon currently resides in Rock Hill. This was a place to rest and resupply for coaches traveling old Highway 100 between St. Louis and Jefferson City.

Marshall also built a school, operated a US Post Office, and co-founded the Rock Hill Presbyterian Church which stands alongside the current Fairfax location.

James Marshall's wife, Elizabeth Kyle McCausland Marshall, was also the aunt of famous Civil War General John McCausland (below).

Restoration Project
Over the years, The Fairfax House has fallen into disrepair and is now in need of extensive restoration.

Significant strides were made in 2008 and 2009 when three exterior walls were restored (above). However, the rear wall and completed interior are still significantly decayed and in danger of imminent ruin from the elements.

Because of its current condition, The Fairfax House was placed on the 2008 and 2009 Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties List by the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation.

Volunteers and donors are needed to save Fairfax. Learn how you can help at www.fairfaxhouse.org.
Submitted: October 14, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Database Locator Identification Number: p449841
File Size: 5.185 Megabytes

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