RUSS HOUSE HISTORY
The house was built in 1895 by Joseph W. Russ, Jr., a prominent landowner and
merchant, for him and his mother, who lived there with him only two years before
her untimely death. However, the home was occupied by members of his family until
1995, and owned by the family for exactly 100 years.
It is noteworthy that on the east side of the house, at one time, there was a one-story
porte-cochere with Corinthian columns which allowed vehicles to approach in a
manner similiar to that of the park carriage trail. The roof of the porte-cochere was
surrounded by balustrades which tied into the upper porch to form a deck. The
reconstruction of the porte-cochere was not included in the restoration.
The Russ House is noted as one of the finest examples of Colonial Revival architecture
in Florida and is on the National Historic Register. The home is one of the last
reminders of days past when Lafayette Street was lined with vast oaks, azaleas and
stately, charactered family homes.
It stands at the site of a portion of the Battle of Marianna, fought in 1864.
It has been a focal point of interest for people traveling through Marianna for years
and local residents have held the house in high regard.
The Chamber bought the house and, with grant money, donations and inkind
services, has accomplished significant renovations, saving the house from loss.
The chamber plans also to have part of the house available for community use and
make use of the home to draw attention to Jackson County's historical assets. It will
continue to serve as a historic landmark and a reminder of what can be accomplished
in a community that values tradition and teamwork.
