Warsaw in Richmond County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Exterior Design
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2021
Menokin is the result of a unique collaboration between John Tayloe II of nearby Mount Airy and Francis Lightfoot Lee, the husband of Tayloe's daughter Rebecca. Instead of the cash dowry he bestowed on the husbands of seven other daughters, Tayloe gave Lee a life interest in 1,000 acres of his vast Richmond County estate and agreed to build a house, domestic outbuildings, and plantation structures. Construction of the house began in 1769, and it was probably ready for occupancy in 1771. Menokin is built of iron-infused sandstone, quarried only a few miles away. Its design appears to have been influenced by William Adam's Vitrivius Scoticus, a well known architectural work of the time.
There is an emphasis on symmetry at Menokin that is typical of Georgian houses of the period. The formal entrance is on the north or land-side of the house and is clearly distinguishable from the other three sides. The double belt courses, a heavy arched door opening, classically rusticated window frames, and more elaborate stone trim set on this north side apart as the intended approach to the house. A great deal of skill and time went into creating the raised, decorative 18th century mortar joints, which leads experts to conclude that the exterior walls were not originally covered in stucco. The stucco is perhaps an early 19th century addition.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1769.
Location. 38° 0.521′ N, 76° 48.221′ W. Marker is in Warsaw, Virginia, in Richmond County. Marker can be reached from Menokin Road (Virginia Route 690) 1.9 miles south of Piney Grove Road (Virginia Route 637), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4037 Menokin Rd, Warsaw VA 22572, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Outbuildings (a few steps from this marker); The Terraces (within shouting distance of this marker); The Remembrance Structure (approx. ¼ mile away); Francis Lightfoot Lee's Menokin (approx. 0.3 miles away); Menokin (approx. ¾ mile away); Nomini Baptist Meetinghouse (approx. 3.3 miles away); Warsaw (approx. 4.3 miles away); Richmond County Courthouse (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Warsaw.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2021
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 89 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.