Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Galaxy

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2012

1. Galaxy Marker

Inscription. Irving L. Haggins, an African American, born in 1934, designed his one-of-a kind home in 1956. This self-taught architect and contractor built it in 1967. Inspired by modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright's work, it combines unusual organic forms and distinctive naturalistic materials. A sweeping cantilevered roof and electric windows are two ultramodern features. Built in a time shortly after the advent of the “atomic age” the house pays homage to the progressive ideas of its time. Haggins named his dream house Galaxy after often working well into the night with only the stars of the galaxy to witness his labor of love.

Erected 2010 by County of Henrico. (Marker Number HC-30.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.

Location. 37° 28.359′ N, 77° 22.778′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. It is on Messer Road 0.2 miles south of Library Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7030 Messer Rd, Henrico VA 23231, 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: John Rolfe (approx. 0.3 miles away); Chatsworth School (approx. one mile away);

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Advancing On Richmond (approx. one mile away); Wilton (approx. 1.2 miles away); Fort Gilmer (approx. 1.3 miles away); Fort Harrison (approx. 1.3 miles away); First Successful Colonial Tobacco Crop (approx. 1.4 miles away); Richmond Defences (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Messer Road (facing south) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2012

2. Messer Road (facing south)

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2012

3. "Galaxy"

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,726 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 29, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.