Near Charlottesville in Albemarle County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Sowell House ca. 1822

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 9, 2021

1. The Sowell House ca. 1822 Marker

Inscription. At the age of 23, Pleasant Sowell began building his house on a 100-acre tract six miles south from here. This structure became his family's home for 173 years. For six generations, the Sowells' choice of materials, craftsmanship and alterations offers a unique perspective into early and rural Virginia life. The Sowell House was dismantled and reassembled here in 1994. Soon after the Sowell House was opened on this site, it was recognized with three architectural preservation awards.

Erected by Michie Tavern.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1994.

Location. 38° 0.505′ N, 78° 27.85′ W. Marker is near Charlottesville, Virginia, in Albemarle County. It can be reached from Thomas Jefferson Parkway (Virginia Route 53) 0.1 miles east of Michie Tavern Lane ( Route 1102), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville VA 22902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Sowell House Floor Plan (a few steps from this marker); The Open Porch (a few steps from this marker); Piney River Cabin ca. 1790 (a few steps from this marker);

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Tobacco Barn ca. 1790 (within shouting distance of this marker); Michie Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Michie Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Meadow Run Grist Mill ca. 1797 (about 400 feet away); The Monticello Graveyard (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottesville.

Other markers no longer nearby. Piney River Cabin (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Tobacco Barn ca.1790 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Meadow Run Grist Mill (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

The Sowell House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 9, 2021

2. The Sowell House

The Sowell House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 16, 2026

3. The Sowell House and Marker

Front of the house.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 16, 2026

4. The Sowell House

Rear of the house. The open door leads to the kitchen.

The Sowell House Kitchen image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 16, 2026

5. The Sowell House Kitchen

The Sowell House Kitchen Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 16, 2026

6. The Sowell House Kitchen Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 685 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 11, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 16, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.