William Lanford House, Huntsville, Madison County

The William Lanford House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1850. (Photo by Robin McDonald)

The William Lanford House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 and is significant for its architectural style and the role it played in the early agricultural history of Madison County. William Lanford (1797–1881) moved to Madison County from Louisa County, Virginia, and established himself as a successful land speculator and planter. He had the home constructed in 1850. William married Charlotte F. Fennell in 1832, and the couple had three children before Charlotte died in 1840. After William and his three children moved to the property, they turned it into a thriving plantation.

According to the US Federal Slave Schedules, Lanford owned enslaved people and had slave houses on the property. While none remain standing, the likelihood is high that vestiges survive in the form of archaeological remains. The home passed through the hands of several families until the present owner’s parents purchased it in 1973.

The 115-acre property sits adjacent to an area facing high development. The current master plan for the area includes the Lanford House property in future development plans and extends the boundary of the development to Indian Creek. The plan shows a significant proposed street right-of-way to the west of the house that crosses over two historic barns on the property. Th e current owner is concerned about future development and how it might impact this historic property.