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Old Rock House: A Stone Sentinel in Alabama

Discover Alabama's hidden gem: The Old Rock House, a unique and historic stone dwelling near Harpersville.

The Old Rock House in Harpersville, Alabama, is a unique historical landmark built around 1835 from local granite and limestone. As the state's only surviving early stone dwelling, it stands as an anomaly in a region known for wood and brick construction.

A brief summary to Old Rock House

Local tips

  • Note that the Old Rock House is located on private property, so viewing is limited to the exterior from the farm lane.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby attractions, such as the Kymulga Mill & Covered Bridge or the Datcher Family Farm Museum.
  • Harpersville has a few local restaurants and shops, offering a glimpse into small-town Alabama life.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Old Rock House is located approximately 1 mile southeast of Harpersville. From Harpersville, take U.S. Route 280 East. After about a mile, look for Larkin Lane, a farm road on the north side of the highway. Follow Larkin Lane to the end; the house will be visible from the road. There is no public parking area, so park considerately on the shoulder of the farm lane. Note: U.S. Route 280 is a major highway, so expect moderate traffic.

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Discover more about Old Rock House

Nestled in a wooded, rural setting near Harpersville, Alabama, the Old Rock House is a testament to early 19th-century craftsmanship and architectural ingenuity. Constructed circa 1835, this two-story masonry dwelling is a rare and intact example of an early stone house in a region where such structures are uncommon. The house is located one mile southeast of Harpersville, accessed via a winding farm lane from U.S. Route 280. The Old Rock House is built from locally quarried grey granite and limestone, showcasing a unique blend of Late Georgian and Early Republic architectural elements. Its thick stone walls and chimneys are laid in regular courses, supporting a side-gable roof. The south side of the house features two centrally positioned doors that provide access to the first-floor rooms. Inside, the house originally comprised four rooms: two on the ground floor and two above, connected by a box stair. The interior retains hints of its original simple refinement, including a surviving Federal-style mantelpiece. The origin of the Rock House remains shrouded in some mystery. Although the exact landowner for whom the house was built is unknown, records suggest William Condon, a prosperous farmer who owned the property in the early 1840s, may have been responsible for its construction. The Old Rock House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 29, 2006, and to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on December 4, 1992. Today, it stands as a tangible link to Alabama's past, representing a distinctive piece of the state's architectural heritage.

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