Dec 27, 1972
National Register of Historic Places - Henry Coalter Cabell House
Statement of Significant: Though the house at 116 South Third bears the name of Henry Coalter Cabell, it was actually built by William O. George in 1847 and rented by Mr. Cabell for three decades during the 1850's. Following Colonel Cabell's death, the house went to John G. Spotts, a wholesale grocer, who added the present bay windows on the lower floor. After Mr. Spotts, the house was owned by the John S. Elletts. From 1923-1924, it served as the office of the State Department of Education. In 1938, the Universal Life Insurance Co. bought the house and adapted the interior for its offices. This firm was the first to utilize an historic house for its headquarters without disfiguring changes. Shortly afterwards, Universal came under the auspices of the Atlantic Life Insurance Co. which executed an extensive remodeling program in 1947-1948. The interior was completely razed, and a two-story wing was added in the ell between the main house and the kitchen. The Virginia Education Association has owned and occupied the house since 1951. Prior to its Centennial celebration in 1963, the V.E.A. redecorated its offices, and then in 1967- 1968, new heating and air conditioning facilities were installed, as well as an elevator. The most distinguished resident of 116 South Third was Henry Coalter Cabell, son of Governor William H. Cabell, and a Confederate veteran and leading member of the Richmond Bar. The Cabell House is important among Richmond's architectural landmarks. Its "Egyptian" portico is the only one of its styles in the city with the exception of those on the "Egyptian Building" of the Medical College of Virginia. The house is also sole survivor of several blocks of distinguished houses that made Gamble's Hill one of Richmond's most fashionable neighborhoods in the late nineteenth century. The saving of the Cabell house through its adaptation to business use set an important example for preservation in Richmond.
National Register of Historic Places - Henry Coalter Cabell House
Statement of Significant: Though the house at 116 South Third bears the name of Henry Coalter Cabell, it was actually built by William O. George in 1847 and rented by Mr. Cabell for three decades during the 1850's. Following Colonel Cabell's death, the house went to John G. Spotts, a wholesale grocer, who added the present bay windows on the lower floor. After Mr. Spotts, the house was owned by the John S. Elletts. From 1923-1924, it served as the office of the State Department of Education. In 1938, the Universal Life Insurance Co. bought the house and adapted the interior for its offices. This firm was the first to utilize an historic house for its headquarters without disfiguring changes. Shortly afterwards, Universal came under the auspices of the Atlantic Life Insurance Co. which executed an extensive remodeling program in 1947-1948. The interior was completely razed, and a two-story wing was added in the ell between the main house and the kitchen. The Virginia Education Association has owned and occupied the house since 1951. Prior to its Centennial celebration in 1963, the V.E.A. redecorated its offices, and then in 1967- 1968, new heating and air conditioning facilities were installed, as well as an elevator. The most distinguished resident of 116 South Third was Henry Coalter Cabell, son of Governor William H. Cabell, and a Confederate veteran and leading member of the Richmond Bar. The Cabell House is important among Richmond's architectural landmarks. Its "Egyptian" portico is the only one of its styles in the city with the exception of those on the "Egyptian Building" of the Medical College of Virginia. The house is also sole survivor of several blocks of distinguished houses that made Gamble's Hill one of Richmond's most fashionable neighborhoods in the late nineteenth century. The saving of the Cabell house through its adaptation to business use set an important example for preservation in Richmond.
Dec 27, 1972
Posted Date
Jul 11, 2023
Historical Record Date
Dec 27, 1972
Source Name
National Register of Historic Places
Source Website
Posted Date
Sep 27, 2021
Source Name
Library of Congress
