Rockland (Shepherdstown, West Virginia) Explained

Rockland
Nrhp Type:hd
Nocat:yes
Coordinates:39.4083°N -77.8581°W
Built:1897
Architect:James Verdier
Architecture:Late Victorian
Added:February 5, 1990
Refnum:89002316

Rockland, also known as Verdier Plantation, Schley Farm and Knode House, was built by James Verdier between 1771 and 1785 near Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Verdier was a Huguenot, the son of a French silk weaver, who married Lady Susanna Monei and came to North America to escape religious persecution. In America he became a tanner, with tanneries in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Sharpsburg, Maryland and Shepherdstown. His children founded Verdiersville, Virginia after his death. The older portion of the house is stone masonry. A brick Victorian style addition was built in 1897.[1]

Built largely of limestone, the two-story, five-bay center hall house has sandstone accents. A basement kitchen is accessed by a door in the gable end. The interior was remodeled with Greek Revival detailing in the nineteenth century.[2]

Notes and References

  1. National Register of Historic Places Nomination: Rockland. August 5, 1989 . Jean T. Crolius. National Park Service.
  2. Book: Allen . John C. Jr. . Uncommon Vernacular: The Early Houses of Jefferson County, West Virginia, 1735-1835 . 2011 . West Virginia University Press . 978-1-933202-87-7 . 63.