History

James A. Long was the founding father of Roxboro. It was due to his initiative, leadership, and persistence that Roxboro got its train station and cotton mill, putting it on the map in the New South. He was a civic leader, successful businessman, and active in government, religious and educational organizations throughout his life.

With Mr. Henry Field of Lancashire, England as his contractor, the house at 217 S. Main was constructed between 1896 and 1899.

On November 11, 1896, the Roxboro Courier reported that "Mr. J. A. Long has moved into his magnificent new house. It is the most costly dwelling ever built in Person County. It is a modern design and strikingly beautiful."

In March 1897 the Courier noted that "Mr. J. A. Long has been giving considerable of his time the past few days to landscape gardening. He has had erected a beautiful iron fence in front of his residence and otherwise improved the lawn, making everything in keeping with his magnificent residence which he recently completed."

Today, it is the only extant Roxboro residence associated with him.

Acknowledgement: Courtesy of Sarah Woodard, Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc.