Holly Grove mansion was built in 1815 by Daniel Ruffner, who made salt for a living. It was part of a large plantation that covered the East End and much of downtown. Ruffner allowed travelers to stay in his home, including famous people such as Henry Clay, Sam Houston, John J. Audubon, and President Andrew Jackson. Originally, the house was a simple two-story brick building with a small porch facing the Kanawha River. In 1902, James H. Nash bought it and made big changes, including a new curved porch with tall columns. In 1974, Holly Grove Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and since 1975, the state has owned it.