Lapham–Patterson House

The Lapham-Patterson House is a three-story Victorian residence in Thomasville featuring decorative fishscale shingles, oriental ornaments, and inlaid pine flooring throughout. The 19-room structure centers around a distinctive hexagonal chamber and includes a double-flue chimney with an interior stairway, along with 24 exterior doors providing multiple access points.

Charles W. Lapham, a wealthy Chicago shoe merchant, built this winter retreat in 1884 with cutting-edge conveniences for its era. The house featured gas lighting, running water, and indoor plumbing, making it a model of modern domestic engineering at the time.

The residence reflects the tastes and aspirations of wealthy northerners who built winter homes in the South during the late 1800s. Its ornate furnishings and exotic decorations show how such owners wanted to display their travel experiences and refined lifestyle.

The house is accessible only through guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the interiors and examine details up close. It is useful to check the available visiting times in advance, as tours operate on a limited schedule.

Not a single window, door, or closet in the entire 19-room house is perfectly square, an unusual architectural feature. This irregular geometry may have been intentional, reflecting Victorian tastes for artistic and varied forms rather than strict geometric uniformity.

Location: Thomasville

Inception: 1884

Architects: Tudor Rommerdal

Address: 626 North Dawson Street, Thomasville, GA 31792

Phone: +12292267664

Website: https://gastateparks.org/LaphamPattersonHouse

GPS coordinates: 30.84561,-83.98291

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:47