Hitchcock-Roberts House
Why it's listed
Built in 1816 on North Warren Street in Monticello, this small brick building is believed to be the oldest standing structure in the town and certainly its oldest brick building. William Hitchcock, an early settler and active real estate dealer, bought the lot that year and rented the house out rather than living in it. The thirteen-inch American bond brick walls and stepped chimney are what remain of the original exterior, while a frame shed addition, a tin roof and later interior stucco and a Federal mantel reflect later changes. Over time it served as a rental dwelling, the home and bakery of a free Black woman known as Aunt Samanthy, a library, and a lawyer's office until 1974. Surrounded by Monticello's business district, it was listed for preserving an early link to Jasper County's beginnings. It stands vacant, and its commercial setting and lack of use were noted as threats.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is thought to be the oldest standing structure in Monticello and certainly its oldest brick building. Despite many alterations, it is a small but important link to the early years of Jasper County. Its history reflects the town's growth, with property turnover, rental use, a bakery run by a free Black woman, a library and a law office.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 79000733, listed February 14, 1979. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | N. Warren St., Monticello |
|---|---|
| County | Jasper County |
| Listed | February 14, 1979 |
| Reference number | 79000733 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architect / builder | William Hitchcock |
| Architectural style | Some elements of the Georgian style |
| Areas of significance | Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in good condition and structurally sound, but vacant and furnished as an office; the owner has no plans for its use, and it is seen as endangered by its commercial location and lack of occupancy. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Within district | Monticello Historic District |
| Coordinates | 33.30466, -83.68298 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
Noted as vacant in the nomination. Nomination documents can be decades old; current status may differ. If you are considering buying an empty listed property, read the due-diligence checklist.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 79000733.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.