If you live in the St. Louis area then you are likely familiar with McKnight Road. While it can be known for traffic jams that essentially lead to the “playground-filled, known for its’ Christmas lights” Tilles Park, you’d be surprised to know that there is some historic value to the busy street. You may have noticed that the intersection of Manchester and McKnight has been in a bit of a redevelopment boom for the last few years. There is a new CVS, a new Mobile gas station, Smoothie King and a large strip center with numerous restaurants & a grocery store, etc. On the east side by the gas station you have probably seen a very out of place run down looking house.
I have lived in the area since 2011 and have driven past this house many times. I have wondered why it has not been torn down and what it was doing there as it doesn’t seem to fit in to the surrounding area. Recently, I was walking my dog and I decided to venture over to this out of place house and see what it was all about. For the longest time I figured it was a construction trailer with all the recent redevelopment in the area. As it turns out, the house is on the national historic registry of most endangered places. The welcome to Rock Hill sign even says “Welcome to Rock Hill, home of the Fairfax House.” Who knew this was the house they were referring to?
The Fairfax House is also known as the James Collier Marshall Home and was built between 1839 and 1841. The Fairfax House is the oldest remaining braced timber home in the state. The Marshall’s home was built on Marshall land which was comprised of nearly 900 acres and covered Brentwood, Ladue, Glendale and Webster Groves.
The home currently resides at 9401 Manchester Rd., across the street from its original location but still on Marshall land. In 2004, the Fairfax House was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Significant repairs were made in 2008 & 2009 to the exterior of the home, but the interior remains in disrepair. Due to the current condition of the home, it was placed on the Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties listfrom 2008 – 2011.
James Collier Marshall was a pioneer and entrepreneur. He established a trading post and stage coach stop near where the Train Wreck Saloon currently sits. The trading place was a rest and resupply destination for people traveling old highway 100 between St Louis and Jefferson City. Marshall also built a school, operated a post office and founded a church.
Historic homes have their charm and appeal. An old home with history can offer an intrinsic value not offered by other properties in their market area. If you are thinking of listing a historic home for sale, obtaining an appraisal performed by a company with experience and local knowledge can be invaluable. Historic homes can command different prices from what is typical in their surrounding market. A real estate agent or an appraiser without the market knowledge may cost you thousands of dollars throughout your real estate transaction. We have appraised dozens of homes with historic significance and appeal. If you need a local professional to help you make an informed purchase or listing decision, click the order link and order an appraisal today.
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