Sunrise

Sunrise is a three-story stone mansion built in the Georgian style with a gabled roof, dormer windows, and prominent chimneys flanking its upper sections. Four Doric columns frame the northern portico overlooking the Kanawha River, creating a formal entrance that combines neoclassical restraint with residential grandeur.

William A. MacCorkle, the ninth governor of West Virginia, had this residence built in 1905 as a statement of prominence in Charleston. The structure gained official recognition through its placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, documenting its importance to the region's heritage.

The house once served as the Sunrise Museum, displaying art and science collections for visitors interested in regional culture and knowledge. When the museum closed in 2003, its holdings relocated to another cultural institution in the city.

The property is privately owned and closed to the public, so visitors cannot enter the interior spaces or view the collections. The exterior and its riverside setting can be appreciated from public areas, offering an understanding of the building's architectural character from outside.

The mansion features an intricate cornice design that creates a visual illusion of reduced height despite its three full stories rising above ground. This clever architectural detail demonstrates how classical proportioning techniques can subtly alter how observers perceive the building's scale.

Location: West Virginia

Architectural style: Georgian architecture, Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.34560,-81.64140

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03