Lexington, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Jacob Ruff House, ca. 1829
Historic Lexington
This house is a fine example of the Valley Federal style with elegant detailing including the fanlight over the front door and a molded brick cornice. When the streets were lowered in 1851, the entrance was reoriented to the side. The Ruff Family had a hat factory next door in the early 1800s, but used this house as a showroom and living space. In 1850 John Ruff deeded the property to his son, Jacob Ruff, with permission to build a future house between the two properties. That may explain the curious cantilevered chimney on the north side of the building. If the house had been built, it could have shared this chimney. At the invitation of Jacob Ruff, then mayor, U.S. President Millard Fillmore visited this house in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. G. Otis Meade III purchased the property from Historic Lexington Foundation in 1974 and carefully restored and adapted it for use as a real estate office. (Photo ca. 1925)
Erected by Historic Lexington Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #13 Millard Fillmore
this page online
Location. 37° 47.13′ N, 79° 26.482′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Virginia. It is on N Main Street (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling north. Marker is on N Main Street, between E Washington St. and E Henry St. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lexington VA 24450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. 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: Lt. Gen. L.B. Puller (here, next to this marker); The Subway: Joe Wood's Barbershop (a few steps from this marker); Gen. John Lejeune (a few steps from this marker); Willson-Walker House, ca. 1820
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 21, 2012
3. The Jacob Ruff House Markers
Both markers are visible in this photo.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 21, 2012
4. The Jacob Ruff House
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 21, 2012
5. Additional plaque on the Jacob Ruff House
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 21, 2012
6. Marker in Lexington
This photo was taken before the adjacent marker was affixed.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 3,187 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 9, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 24, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
