Justin Smith Morrill Homestead

The Justin Smith Morrill Homestead is a Carpenter Gothic house located in Strafford, Vermont. The building features steep slate roofs, ornamental trim boards, roof finials, and intricate mahogany woodwork throughout its interior.

Morrill designed this house and had it built between 1848 and 1851, drawing inspiration from architectural ideas by designer Andrew Jackson Downing. The design reflects how educated people of that era wanted to construct their residences based on contemporary design principles.

The house contains possessions belonging to the Morrill family, including furniture, textiles, and kitchen equipment from the 1800s. These items reveal how people carried out everyday life and domestic tasks during that period.

The site is open to visitors from May through October, with guided tours available Thursday through Sunday. It is best to check ahead about specific hours and tour availability before planning a visit.

The owner was a politician who drafted two major laws that enabled the establishment of agricultural and engineering schools across the country. These schools later became leading public universities and continue to shape American higher education today.

Location: Strafford

Architects: Justin Smith Morrill

Architectural style: Carpenter Gothic

Website: http://historicsites.vermont.gov/Morrill

GPS coordinates: 43.86289,-72.37594

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:44