1842- Williams-Richards House

The Williams-Richards House was built in 1842 and extensively remodeled in 1899.

Location: 2225 Riverside Drive, Knoxville

From the publication "The Future of Knoxville’s Past- Historic and Architectural Resources in Knoxville, Tennessee-Knoxville Historic Zoning Commission, October 2006," prepared by the Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission:

“Williams-Richards House (Colonial Hall, Marbledale), 2225 Riverside (1842, 1899). This two-story brick home was built by John C.J. Williams, II, in the Federal style. It originally faced Dandridge Avenue; Riverside Drive did not exist at the time the house was built. In 1899, the house was extensively remodeled and the Neoclassical front façade facing Riverside Drive was constructed. The house was featured locally on china and postcards as late as 1910. John C.J. Williams, II, was the grandson of James White, the founder of Knoxville; he was playwright Tennessee Williams’ great-grandfather. John Williams, II, called the plantation Marbledale. He reportedly entertained such dignitaries as President Andrew Johnson; Tennessee Williams is also reported to have stayed in the house. When it was purchased and extensively remodeled by John Richards in 1899, it was renamed Colonial Hall. The house is significant for both phases of its architecture, and for its historical associations” (p. 20).

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