Lapham-Patterson House State Historic Site

The Lapham-Patterson House is a monument to the imagination, creative engineering and craftsmanship of the Victorian Era. Fishscale shingles, oriental-style porch decorations, long-leaf pine inlaid floors, and a remarkable double-flue chimney with a walk-through stairway and cantilevered balcony exemplify the quality and skill of its Victorian creators. Due to its outstanding architectural significance, the Lapham-Patterson House was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

Built between 1884-85 as a winter cottage for prosperous shoe merchant C.W. Lapham of Chicago, the residence was well-equipped with its own gas lighting system, hot and cold running water, indoor plumbing and modern closets. Like many other successful Northerners, Lapham came to the bustling resort town of Thomasville for its mild, pleasing climate and the supposed therapeutic value of the pine-scented air. The Laphams sold the winter house in 1894, and it was re-sold in 1905 to James G. Patterson. The Pattersons remained in possession until 1970.

Facilities

Bus parking available

Annual Special Events
subject to change . . . also, see the Events Calendar

• Quilt Show
• Rose Show (April)
• Evening with Edgar Allan Poe (October)
• Victorian Christmas (December) 

Nearby Attractions

• The Big Oak
• Pebble Hill Plantation
• Thomas County Historical Society Museum
• Hardy Bryan House
• Rose Garden
• Plantation Tours
• Seminole State Park

Contact Information

Site Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 2 - 5:30 p.m.; Closed Monday (except legal holidays), Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Closed Tuesday when open Monday. Guided tours only. 45-minute tours start on the hour. Last tour at 4 p.m. Group rates available with advance notice.

Directions

Located at 626 N. Dawson Street in Thomasville, Ga.