Clayton in Barbour County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Octagon House
Photographed By David J Gaines, March 20, 2010
1. Octagon House Marker
This unusual house was built 1859 – 1861 by Benjamin Franklin Petty, a carriage and furniture merchant, who was a native of New York and a pioneer settler of Clayton. It was patterned after a design made popular by Orson S. Fowler’s book A Home for All, or the Gravel Wall and Octagon Mode of Building, which was published in New York in 1854. In April 1865, the house was used as staff headquarters for Union Cavalry Commander General Benjamin H. Grierson. Petty heirs sold the property to Judge and Mrs. Bob T. Roberts in 1901. In 1981, under the administration of Mayor Edward C. Ventress, the property was purchased from the estate of Mary Roberts Beatty Armistead by the Town of Clayton, which has overseen its renovation.Erected 1991 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Clayton Historic Preservation Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1865.
Location. 31° 52.729′ N, 85° 26.973′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Barbour County / Early Barbour County Commissioners (within shouting distance of this marker); Comrades (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Clayton, Alabama/Clayton’s Architectural Heritage (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jere Locke Beasley (about 300 feet away); Grace Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away); In Loving Memory of the Clayton Soldiers of the World War (approx. 0.2 miles away); Miller – Martin Townhouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Davis-Wallace House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clayton.
Regarding Octagon House. The Octagon House is the only antebellum example of octagon-style architecture remaining in Alabama, and one of few in country.
Photographed By David J Gaines, March 20, 2010
2. The Octagon House
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2010, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,837 times since then and 143 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2010, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
