The John Marshall House

«How many times does an angel fall?»
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In A Sentence™
John motherfucking Marshall: the boss motherfucker of American jurisprudence. (I’m toning down my so-​called expletives for this scholarly review.)
Quick Review™
+ Chief Justice Marshall. Enough said. Shut your mouth and learn something!
— There is no docent like me to slap some people — literally, nor figuratively — with some damn vigour for the subject. (I would slap the first person — man, woman, or child — who lacked respect for the man in his house. (Bring back dueling.)
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Let me tell you something about Marshall. He didn’t fuck around. He didn’t wake up and ponder: how am I going to piss my life away today …
His brother on the other hand: that worthless asshole was at fault for the whole Marbury v. Madison fiasco. Pro Tip: don’t entrust your brother with anything of any importance at anytime, ever. (Bring back dueling.)
Now what am I going on about? It doesn’t matter. Visit the house and ask.
It’s in Richmond. Street parking is insert-​some-​goddamn-​coin godforsaken meters as if it were the 1950’s. There are a bunch of people around the block sitting outside in the deadly summer heat fanning their balmy selves with newspapers as if it were the 1950’s. (There is a public bus terminal.)
Anyway, this is an historical gem. Add his final place of rest (Richmond), the courtroom in the capital building where he whooped on some dumb jabronis’ asses (Richmond as well), and his church (Colonial Williamsburg) for the full John motherfucking Marshall experience!
We need another John Marshall. We need another Hugo Black (post Klan, obviously). We need another Thurgood Marshall. We need to find a way to clone us a bunch of Notorious R.B.G.‘s.
I digress. It’s a small house and short tour. It’s not the goddamn Hearst Castle, you philistines. Just go towards the end of the day so you are not that affected by the tour being abridged. Or read so you won’t need anyone to teach you anything.
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Tourists
Lots of tourists here — naturally — especially since, you know, U.S. Southerns (I call them Confederates) don’t care about actual heroes. (Don’t get them started on the traitors though!)
Kids
Good for kids. I didn’t see any but the Bostonian I was with was short enough in stature to be considered a kid and he was welcomed.
Dogs
Good for dogs. Except they are prohibited, more than likely. What the hell do I know; who travels to the capital of the Confederacy with a dog?
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Rating: Four-​stars, «Yay! I’m a fan.»

The house was reminiscent of the time period and had a decent amount of the original furnishings. The tour was very informative when it came to his life, but the tour is also very short. There wasn’t much to the house and I found that to be disappointing compared to the other places I’ve toured over the years.

This is a large 2-​story brick house by the library that was the home to John Marshall and his wife, Polly, from 1790 to 1835. You learn about Marshall in U.S. History/​Social Studies classes in school — the ‘Great Chief Justice’ that created the modern Supreme Court and his decision in the Marbury v. Madison case. You can take a guided tour of the house and see the original furnishings, stroll around the garden, check out the museum shop, and also try out a game of Quoits (Marshall’s favorite game).
+across from the library

Lovely old building, not particularly ornate. Tour was informative, guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Tour was not particularly tied to the house; a great deal of information was provided about John Marshall that had little to do with the space. Only 40% of items were original to the house. Grounds were well landscaped and provided a good spot for a picnic lunch.

Marshall’s house is included in some of the tours you can get from the Valentine History Center, or you can just do the house alone.
For anyone who doesn’t know, John Marshall was chief justice of the Supreme Court for 34 years, appointed to the court by President John Adams. He also served as secretary of state and as our ambassador to France, so he was a pretty big presence in America’s 18^th century government.
The house was built in 1790 in the Federal style, and has been fully restored recently. If you like period furniture and touring things like Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll enjoy a glimpse into Marshall’s life.
Tour hours are limited and you can only see it by appointment in January and February.