James Lee House
c. 1848 • 690 Adams
Originally a simple brick two-story farmhouse built in 1848 by William Harsson, the James Lee House underwent significant transformations over the years. Charles Wesley Goyer married the second daughter of William Harson, Laura, and eventually bought the James Lee house from his father-in-law. Goyer, his wife, and their 10 children inhabited the house between 1852 and 1890. During these years, C.W. Goyer expanded the house with multiple additions, including a tower and a third floor.
In 1890, the house was sold to James Lee Jr. and his ten children lived in the home from 1890 to 1925. Upon his passing, the house was passed down to his daughter Rosa Lee who used the house to start the James Lee Memorial Academy of Arts, later renamed as the Memphis College of Arts. Rosa donated the building to the City of Memphis in 1929. However, the college relocated in 1959, leaving the house vacant for decades.
In 2013, the house was purchased, restored, and reopened as an internationally acclaimed boutique bed and breakfast on May 1st, 2014. Today, the James Lee House continues to operate as a bed and breakfast and event venue, offering five luxurious suites in the heart of Memphis.
Copy Source: With gratitude to Perre M. Magness, author of the book Good Abode, for portions of this narrative.