Overview

The Ellis-Hampton House stands on property which was purchased in 1878 for a mere $200. In 1901, Judge w.r. Ellis brought his enthusiasm for the Colonial Revival motif to Pendleton and built this lovely, two-story, woodframe house. It was, for a few years, the most expensive and extravagant home on Pendleton's fashionable Lewis Street (now Southeast Byers). During his lengthy and diverse public career, Judge Ellis served as superintendent of schools, district attorney, u.s. Congressman, and circuit Court Judge. In 1914, pioneer wheat farmers Thomas and Nina Hampton purchased the Ellis home for $5,000. For years, it was home to the large Hampton familya prominent part of Pendleton society at that time.