Markham Cobblestone Farmhouse and Barn Complex
Why it's listed
Set on a slight rise about three miles northwest of Lima, this cobblestone farmhouse and its barn complex form a largely intact nineteenth-century farmstead. The two-story, three-bay house, believed to date from about 1832, has two-foot-thick walls of mortared field stones laid in horizontal rows, with cut limestone quoins and lintels. Its form reflects Federal traditions, while the bold quoins and lintels show early Greek Revival influence. Original parlors, woodwork and floor boards survive inside. Three frame barns, a shed, a corn crib, two silos and an early cast-iron pump well remain nearby, and the site of a collapsed second barn complex is also counted. The farm was one of Lima's largest and most prosperous sheep farms, and later owners included the Peck and Markham families and Edward F. Dibble of the Dibble Seed Company. Its architecture and its record of farming practice explain its listing for local significance.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the farmhouse is a distinctive example of western New York cobblestone architecture, blending Federal form with early Greek Revival detailing. The nearly intact set of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century farm buildings makes it one of the finest historic farmsteads in the Lima multiple resource area. It is also important to Lima's sheep-farming history and as a study resource for agrarian practices.
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 89001119, listed August 31, 1989. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 6857 Heath--Markham Rd., Lima |
|---|---|
| County | Livingston County |
| Listed | August 31, 1989 |
| Reference number | 89001119 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | ca. 1830s to ca. 1920s |
| Architectural style | Federal and Greek Revival (cobblestone construction) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Agriculture, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition listed as good; still used as a residence, with no known threats. A second barn complex has collapsed. |
| Acreage | 198.7 |
| Coordinates | 42.93278, -77.63571 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
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 89001119.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6770994
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.