Bristol, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

King/Lancaster/McCoy/Mitchell House

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

1. King/ Lancaster/ McCoy/ Mitchell House Marker

Inscription. This house was built as the grand seat of Rev. James King's vast plantation, first known as Sapling Grove and later Mountain View. Two rooms of the original house built in 1816-17 remain in the present structure. The King family lived here from 1817-53. Andrew Jackson frequented the house and was escorted to Washington for his inauguration by William King. The Sapling Grove post office operated here from 1839-53. The house was a stopping point for stagecoaches from 1839-56. Mountain View High School (later Sullins College) began here in 1869. Changes to the house were made by John J. Lancaster in 1881, H.E. McCoy in 1892 and Joseph D. Mitchell in 1903. Margaret Mitchell, who was born here in 1901 and lived here for 99 of her 102 years.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1816.

Location. 36° 35.814′ N, 82° 11.16′ W. Marker is in Bristol, Virginia. It is on King Street south of Cumberland Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is ground level atop the retaining wall above the adjacent sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is

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at or near this postal address: 254 King St, Bristol VA 24201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Tri-Cities Area,

in Southwest Virginia,

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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: Emmanuel Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Solar Hill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Solar Observatory (about 500 feet away); WCYB's "Farm and Fun Time" (about 600 feet away); Solar Street (about 600 feet away); King's Alley/Sycamore Street (about 600 feet away); Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman (about 600 feet away); 629 State Street

King/ Lancaster/ McCoy/ Mitchell House Marker. House is in the background image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

2. King/ Lancaster/ McCoy/ Mitchell House Marker. House is in the background

(about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bristol.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Birthplace of Country Music (was about 800 feet away in Tennessee but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . King–Lancaster–McCoy–Mitchell House. Wikipedia

The large brick home is the most historic house in Bristol, Virginia. The handmade brick residence was built 1816-1820 by Colonel James King on the highest point of his property overlooking his meadows where he raised cattle. The settlement was once known as “King’s Meadows” before it took the name of Bristol nearly half a century later.

Colonel James King and his son, the Reverend James King, were key figures in the founding and development of Bristol. They contributed to the business world through the iron business and the commerce of buying and selling. The Reverend James King gifted the land needed to create Bristol's King University and served as pastor for two early Presbyterian churches. The King family occupied the house until 1853.

(Submitted on October 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)

Virginia Historic Landmark Sign located at the left post of the front gate image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

3. Virginia Historic Landmark Sign located at the left post of the front gate

Steps to the front gate of the property. House is in the background image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

4. Steps to the front gate of the property. House is in the background

Full view of King/ Lancaster/ McCoy/ Mitchell House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

5. Full view of King/ Lancaster/ McCoy/ Mitchell House

Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 292 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.