Colonel Jack Martin Rock House
The Rock House, c. 1785, was four stories, including the basement and attic; had walls three feet thick; and a fireplace in the basement big enough "to roast an ox." The outside of the house was covered with white stucco and could be seen for miles around. During the early war years, the Rock House was used as a fort against the indians and Tories as well as the headquarters and a rallying point for the militia. You can still see the gun ports built into the walls.
(Shot with Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra)
John "Jack" Martin was a first generation American born in VA who's date of birth is disputed. If he was born in 1756 as written on his tombstone, erected many years after his death, he would only have been 14 when he began building the Rock House about 1770. Other dates and family records suggest he may have been born prior to 1754. He came to what is now known as Stokes County about 1768 with his brother William.
About the time Surry County was formed from Rowan in 1770, it has been said that a very young John "Jack" Martin laid the foundation of the famed Rock House in Stokes County. It is believed that he completed two stories of his Rock House prior to 1776.
