Victorian Rose Inn

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History

The Legend of the Ghinko Tree

Relax and step back in time in this 1894 Victorian mansion built by prominent physician Reuben C. Griffitt.  Born in a log cabin on this lot in 1845, Reuben C. Griffitt enlisted with the Union Army at the age of 17.  He was subsequently captured and imprisoned in the legendary Andersonville Prison in Georgia.

 Having seen the dire need for physicians during the war, Reuben C. Griffitt returned to Morgantown, became a physician, and built this house to serve as his medical office and home.  During his imprisonment,  Reuben C. Griffitt had watched a tiny Ghinko tree grow out of a crack in the earth.  This tree gave him hope that he too might survive.  He brought with him a Ghinko sapling which he planted in front of his home (see photo above).  The tree still stands in front of the Inn reminding us of Dr. Griffitt’s perseverance.  Unfortunately in 1910, Dr. Griffitt fell from his upstairs window while watching the July 4^th firework display.  The injuries sustained in the fall led to his untimely death a short time later. 

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