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Old Rock House: A Stone Sentinel in Alabama

Discover Alabama's hidden gem: The Old Rock House, a unique 1830s stone dwelling with captivating history and architecture.

The Old Rock House in Harpersville, Alabama, is a unique historical landmark. Built around 1835, this granite and limestone house stands as the only surviving early stone dwelling in the state, showcasing a blend of Late Georgian and Early Republic architectural styles.

A brief summary to Old Rock House

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the exterior architecture, as the house is not illuminated at night.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Kymulga Mill & Covered Bridge for a fuller historical experience.
  • Check with the Shelby County Historical Society for any potential events or preservation updates related to the Old Rock House.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Old Rock House is located at 228 Larkin Ln, Harpersville, AL 35078, approximately 1 mile southeast of Harpersville on the northern side of U.S. Route 280. From Harpersville, head southeast on US-280 for about a mile. Turn onto Larkin Lane; the house will be at the end of the lane. Parking is limited, with space for only a few vehicles. Be mindful of private property when parking. There are no tolls on this immediate route.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to the Old Rock House are limited, you can take the line 280 bus from Birmingham to the Hwy 280 & Super Walmart, and then take a taxi to the destination. ClasTran also provides public transportation services in Shelby County, but advance booking is required. From the Walmart, a taxi to the Old Rock House would be approximately $15-$25. A one-way bus ticket from Birmingham to the Hwy 280 & Super Walmart is around $4.00.

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Discover more about Old Rock House

Nestled in the rolling landscape near Harpersville, Alabama, the Old Rock House is a testament to early 19th-century craftsmanship and architectural ingenuity. Constructed circa 1835, the house distinguishes itself with its robust build of locally sourced grey granite and limestone, a stark contrast to the prevalent wood and brick construction of the time. This anomaly has earned it recognition as the only surviving example of an early stone dwelling in Alabama. The Old Rock House, also known as the Condon, Cohill, Eastis, Newman, or Norris House, reflects a blend of Late Georgian and Early Republic architectural elements. Its sturdy construction features thick walls enclosing four rooms, arranged as two stories with a box stair connecting them. The facade includes two side-by-side, six-panel front doors, each topped with a semi-elliptical transom, adding to its unique charm. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006 and the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1992, the Old Rock House offers a glimpse into the past. While the original landowner remains a mystery, records suggest William Condon, a prosperous farmer, held the property in the early 1840s. The identity of the builder may be Timothy Cullins, an Irish-born stonemason residing in Shelby County during that era. Today, the Old Rock House stands as a reminder of Alabama's rich architectural heritage, inviting visitors to appreciate its unique construction and historical significance. Although it is currently derelict, its enduring presence continues to captivate those interested in the state's early history and architectural diversity.

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