Washington and Lee University, University Library Special Collections and Archives
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[Identification of item], Houses, RHS Coll. #0077, Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA. In some cases the citation format may vary. Please contact Special Collections' staff to verify the appropriate format.
This collection consists of essays, reports, financial documentation, and other historic records documenting the presence, arcitecture, development, or evolution of local houses in and around Rockbridge County and Lexington, Virginia.
This file consists of general files from Lexington City offices and the Historic American Buildings survey inventory detailing origins of numerous historic houses. Includes Clifton House, unnamed Natural Bridge House, Halfway House, King and Anne's Manor (formerly Roseland and the White House), Lebanon Prebsyterian Church, unnamed Alone Mill house, Mackey's Tavern, Neriah Bapist Church, Pendleton-Coles House, the Red House, Rockbridge Alum Springs, Sleepy Hollow (Old Withrow Place, and later Patterson place), Stone Cottage, Tuckaway, Virginia Manor (originally Fleming-Greenlee Plantation), Walkerlands, Whistle Creek, and White Hall.
This file consists of two copies of introductory notes to the Rockbridge Heritage House tour for the years 1969 and 1970. The convered houses in the notes have historical backgrounds. The following houses appear in the notes: Alexander-Withrow House, VMI Superintendent's Quarters, Stono, Clifton, Maple Hill, Timber Ridge Church, Horatio Thompson House, The Red House, Mulberry Grove, New Providence Presbyterian Church, Briarwood, Bellevue, Maxwelton, Level Loop, Windy Glen, Cedar Grove, Reeves Collection, Washington Hall, Lee Chapel, President's House, University Place, Blandome, Beaumont, the Manse, Marlbrook, Hickory Hill, Stonewall Jackson Cemetary (now Oak Grove), Red Mill (also known as Barclay's Tavern), Stone Castle, Herring Hall (formerly know as Clover Hall), and Fancy Hill.
This file consists of materials related to the Historic Lexington Foundation, including the information on the property acquistion of the Jacob M. Ruff House, a pamphlet on the Historic Lexington Foundation and its work on the Alexander-Withrow house (corner of Main and Washington St), an invitation to the Historic Lexington Foundation's Parking Lot Party behind the Central Hotel, and remarks from the first annual Historic Lexington Foundation Dinner.
This file consists of a Rockbridge County News article on historic houses and land donations given to the county, as well as a typescript essay entitled "Historic and Romantic Balcony Downs," which recounts early Rockbridge County conflict with Native Americans.
This file consists of a newspaper article entitled "Preservation of Old Buildings Is Commended" by Ellen G. Anderson. The contents of the article are related to various Lexington and Rockbridge County Sites that had historic preservation efforts.
This file consists of three newspaper articles, two of which are from Rockbridge County News, which all provide general histories of a variety of historic homes in the Lexington and Rockbridge Area. The file also includes a typescript essay on old homes in and near Lexington, as well as a housing bond and appraisal letter from Gauranty Bond and Mortgage Company in Richmond, Virginia.
This file consists of unlabeled photo negatives of historic Lexington Houses, likely taken by a representative or member of the Rockbridge Hisorical Society. No dates.
This file consists of a typescript essay entitled "Two Forgotten College Houses."
This file consists of the handwritten draft of "The Forgotten College Houses."
This file consists of a typescript one page essay about the history and origins of the Alexander-Withrow house. No date or listed author.
This file consists of an article from the City, County State News of the Times entitled "Historic Foundation Buys Old Building in Lexington."
This file consists of a letter from Katherine Eichelberger to Mary Monroe, and includes a brief mention of the cottage.
This file consists of an article entitled "The 'Bacon House' History is Given," which describes the origin and family history of the residents of the Bacon House. No date, no author.
This file consists of a typescript coopy of a letter with the title "The Bacon Home - Extracts from a Letter of Jennie Bacon Lacy." The letter includes familial information and a history of the house from the perspective of a family member.
This file consists of a brochure for Balcony Falls, which provides pricing for nights and stays, directions, basic historic background, and a map.
This file consists of an essay about Balcony Downs, detailing its history and also includes a critical evaluation of its architectural style. No date, no author.
This file consists of a research report relating to the Barclay House in Lexington. Information in the report was gathered during an archaelogical investigation at the Barclay House.
This file consists of a book about Belfield, detailing its origins and architectural features. Includes a floor plan, images of the interior of the house, and a map of where it is located on a map.
This file consists of a typescript note on "Belfont," including information on the historic orgins and architectural style of the home.
This file contains an insurance policy for the amount of forty five hundred dollars for a house owned by Judith Bulter between the gates of V.M.I. and Washington and Lee. The insurance company is Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance company, based out of New York City in the United States branch.
This file consists of a typescript essay on Blandome, detailing its ownership history, including how it became the property of prominent Black family in Lexington, the Walkers and Woods. Includes two photos of Blandome.
This file consists of a historic and architectural analysis of the Brady House at Buffalo Forge. The manuscript includes information on the construction of the forge, as well as first hand stories from the Brady's relayed to the author of the manuscript. Also includes photographs of key architectural features and sketches of forge design. Includes sketched floorplan. Written by Toon Tellegen.
This file consists of two copies of terms of agreement and contract for repair on the Campbell house located at 101 E. Washington Street, as well as a letter from Allie Waddell Hedges to the Rockbridge Historical Society concerning the same house.
This file consists of one undated printed image of a building with the caption "the castle."
This file consists of a newspaper article on the Church Hill house.
This file consists of a manuscript copy of "Clifton: Maury River House," written for the Ignorance Club in Lexington, Virginia by Elizabeth Harralson. The manuscript focuses on William Alexander, although it's historical analysis ranges back to Benjamin Borden. Includes historical and architectural descriptions and analysis of the title house.
This file consists of handwritten notes, a typescript essay, and photos which depict or concern the Clifton home. There are four photos which show the exterior of the building. The typescript essay details the architecture and features of the building.
This file consists of a typescript paper on the ownership of the Clifton House on the corner of McDowell and Jefferson streets. Also includes a handwritten note on the Clifton house and its relationship to the Alexander family.
This file consists of handwritten notes by Dr. E.P. Tompkins on the history of "Clifton at East Lexington." Includes information on the origin of the name, the history of ownership, and notes directly on the Alexander family. Includes some genealogical information about the Alexander family, including a list of children and descendants.
This file consists of a typescript essay on the history of visitors, architecture, and ownership of Col Alto, a Roanoke Times article on a lawn party held at Col Alto, a letter from Mrs. Gordon G. Heiner, Jr. to Don Bruce McClelland related to a murder near Col Alto, and a printed copy of a Hampton Inn's historical description of the building.
This file consists of a Mead Associates real estate services document noting the special features, lot and dimensions, building area, condition, annual taxes, price, potential uses, and zoning of the Davidson-Tucker House.
This file consists of a letter to W.T. SHilder from Mrs. G.E. Wade concerning sketches and sketched floor plans on the Daugherty House, as well as a copy of the sketched floor plans, and Aetna Insurance Company policy papers for the house.
This file consists of a paper/presentation materials written by Nanlou Sauder presented to the Ignorance Club on the topic of "Madison Dunlap, David Lowman, and Miller's Mill" (3162 West Midland Trail @ Kerrs Creek).
This file consists of a bound manuscript of Mark Smulson's essay "Fancy Hill: A Study of Pre-Bellum Rockbridge County, Virginia Home." Includes sketches and photographs of the house. Topics cover the history of the house, architectural features, Fancy Hill Academy, and ownership of the property. Places the house in conversation with other greater American architectural trends. Includes sketch of floor plan.
This file consists of a copy of ledgers, account books, and general collection papers from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's "Frederick's Hall Plantation Ledgers and other volumes #1422" from the Southern Historical Society in Wilson Library. From their finding aid - "There is a letter copybook, 1757-1775, of Major John Snelson, probably a descendant of Elizabeth Snelson (fl. 1727-1728). Snelson wrote chiefly to Edward Harford, Jr., of England about tobacco shipments and imported merchandise. The relationship between this volume and the others is also unclear. Colonial-era merchants represented in ledgers include Colonel John Chisolm (d. 1766), A. Gordon (fl. 1750-1751), and William Montgomery (fl. 1751), all of Hanover County. Activities documented in these ledgers include tobacco sales and mining and mineral export, the daily work of merchants, and importing operations. Activities documented in the antebellum ledgers from Frederick's Hall include lumber production, manufacture and sale of shoes, tobacco production and trade, and merchandizing. There is also some information on wages for slaves and free laborers. Sheet music for an 1854 polka is also included."
This folder contains drafts of the first chapter of Pam Simpson's book, entitled "Architecture of Rockbridge County," as well as notes, blueprints and pictures of the buildings discussed in the book.
This folder contains a copy of a Lexington Gazette article from 1931 concerning Matthew Hanna, his daughters, and the house in which they lived, then owned by "Mrs. Gibbs." It also details a 1796 fire which destroyed much of Lexington and was partially extinguished by Hanna's daughters. It goes on to discuss the marriage of Hanna's eldest daughter to Rev. Daniel Blain, and the marriage of another daughter to Rev. Samuel B. Wilson.
This folder contains Herring Hall Inn and Restaurant pamphlets, which include a small map showing the location of Herring Hall and contact information.
This folder contains a map of Rockbridge County showing the location of the Grigsby homes; a 1936 article entitled "Seven Hills of Rockbridge," detailing information on Rose Hill, Fancy Hill, Liberty Hill, Cherry Hill, Fruit Hill, Clover Hill, and Hickory Hill, seven old homes in the Natural Bridge area; a letter to Mr. Knick, then owner of Fancy Hill home, from Mrs. J. R. McNutt, containing information about Fancy Hill and the Grigsby family; photographs of Hickory Hill, Cherry Hill, and Fancy Hill; and various notes on the Grigsby family homes.
This folder contains a tablet template which includes information about the Homestead house, built around 1818, and its builder, William Spencer Dance, and his wife, Mary Page Branch.
This folder contains two archaeological land survey reports done for an anthropology class (college unknown) written in 1984 by students David Gomer and Kevin Patrick Marrie. Gomer's report is missing pages and Marrie's report is addressed to a Dr. McDaniel.
This folder contains two newspaper articles about the Mrs. Sam Houston House, a Greek Revival house in Independence, TX, into which Margaret Houston and her eight children moved after her husband's death.
This folder contains notes on the birthplace of Sam Houston, including notes from Captain H.E. Thompson, whose family then owned the land.
This folder contains a tablet template which includes information about the Houston House, built before 1830 and inhabited by Livingston Waddell and Hale Houston.
This folder contains an architectural and historical survey of the Hull Farm (also known as Laughlin Farm), including photographs and blueprints, written by James A. Russ in 1961.
This folder contains a letter from Nannie Jordan and a resolution concerning the restoration of the Jordan House adopted by the Board of Trustees of Washington and Lee University.
This folder contains newspaper articles about the Jordan House and its preservation, as well as two copies of a paper entitled, "The Preservation of the Jordan House: A Suggestion," written in 1939 by Leslie Lyle Campbell.
This folder contains an insurance application for the Kinney House.
This folder contains notes on Liberty Hill, Thomas Welch, Jr. and Eliza Grigsby, as well as photocopied images of Liberty Hill and a map.
This folder contains an analysis of the Lindsay Home, including photographs. The analysis discusses the home's owners, including John Paul Cook, as well as the structure of the house.
This folder contains a report on the Ludwick-Swope farm, including a brief history of Rockbridge County, maps and photographs of the area, blueprints, a discussion of early farming practices, and excerpts from a will book and deed book.
This folder contains a report on the Lunsford House, including a history of the building and land, structural information, and blueprints and photographs of the house.
This folder contains a newspaper article about the McCampbell Inn, owned by the Merediths (along with the Alexander-Withrow House). The article discusses the restoration of the McCampbell Inn as well as detailing information about Beth Braford Thompson, the innkeeper.
This folder contains a paper written for a fine arts class entitled, "The McChesney House." The paper discusses John McChesney, his family and slaves, more specifically a slave named Maria, and her experiences and connection to strange occurrences in the area. It also discusses the Civil War and its effects on the McChesney family as well as structural information about and photographs of the house.
This folder contains a sketch of the inscription over the kitchen door at Marlbrook, built by David Greenlee.
This folder contains a newspaper article concerning the Matheny House and its removal from Main Street.
This folder contains a newspaper article about the history of Middleton "Mansion House."
This folder contains personal recollections from Ellen Anderson concerning Mount Joy, including the history of the property and its owners.
This folder contains a history of Mount Pleasant, located in Buffalo Forge, including information about the land.
This folder contains part of an article from Harper's New Monthly Magazine titled, "Mount Vernon as It Is." This article discusses George Washington and his home in depth.
This folder contains a pamphlet about Mulberry Hill, detailing historical information and the portraits in each room, as well as a picture of Mulberry Hill.
This folder contains seven pieces of paper, along with a typed version, discussing different buildings in Natural Bridge: Red Mill, High Bridge Church, Stone Castle, Sunny Knoll, Rural Valley, Oak Forest, and Indian Block-House.
This folder contains notes on and photographs of the Paxton Place. The notes discuss the various owners of the land and house, including R. Tate Alexander and various Paxton family members, physical attributes of the land such as soil type, and a walkthrough of the floorplan.
This folder contains a report on Pine Hill Farm, built around 1825, which discusses the owners, Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Perkins, Plank Road, nearby taverns, and other inhabitants as well as the builder Nathaniel Rowlinson. There is also a walkthrough of the floorplan and photographs of the house.
This folder contains a report on Plunkett House, including owners of the house such as James Jordan, J.C. Boode, and Mrs. Minne Reed Brown; the physical location of the house and its surroundings; photographs of the house and a floorplan.
This folder contains a booklet entitled, "Point of Honor: Its Past and Its Potential" by S. Allen Chambers, Jr. The booklet discusses the history of ownership, including the Lynch family, Dr. George Cabell and his son William Lewis Cabell, Col. Maurice Langhorne, Judge William Daniel, and James R. Gilliam; the architectural significance of the house, and the reasoning behind and suggestions for its preservation.
This folder contains a paper written for a fine arts class entitled, "The Historical Survey of Poplar Forest," which is in Bedford County, written by E.M. Barber. Poplar Forest was a home used by Thomas Jefferson as a retreat from Monticello; he inherited it from his wife, along with 135 slaves, which she had inherited from her father. The paper also talks about renovations made by Jefferson, as well as structural notes, photographs, and a floorplan.
This folder contains a report on Red House, a home near Fairfield on the west side of Route 11. The report covers the history of the house and its inhabitants, including the McDowells, the Treavys, the Laymans and the Alexanders; information about the physical house, landscaping, and the McDowell Burying Ground, farm, and orchard; and photographs of the house and surrounding land. Also contained is a newspaper (Lexington Gazette) article about Red House and the McDowells.
This folder contains two copies of a newspaper article about Riverside, home of the Shields family. The article discusses the history of the house and the Shields family.
This folder contains notes on Rock Castle, which include structural information as well as information about the owners and inhabitants, including Mrs. Herbert Van Der Veer and Samuel Campbell.
This folder contains a newspaper article about the history of Savernake, owned by the Dickinson family.
This folder contains two copies of a report on the Senseny House in Lexington, written by Pat Dennis. This house was first built (by John Leyburn, John Parry, Josh Jordan, Andrew Wallace, William Letcher, Reuben Ross, Joseph Blair, Samuel Darst, John Caruthers, and John Ruff) as a schoolhouse. The report then discusses the various owners and uses of the building, including a school for black children bought by Nathan C. Brackett and a house bought by James Madison Senseny and eventually willed to Ellen M. Cupp and H. Greenley Senseny and later was rented by Washington and Lee University students. Finally, structural information is given about the house.
This folder contains a report on Silverwood, a home built by General E. Frank Paxton in 1857 and later sold to Judge John White Brockenbrough and wife Mary Caldwell. The report discusses other owners, including Judge James Kerr Edmondson and wife Emily, and Mary K. Monroe Robinson and husband Edward (descended from the Lyles and Grahams); a physical description of the house and its renovations; and historical information about the owners and their children.
This folder contains a bound report (written in 1942) on Silverwood, a home built by General E. Frank Paxton in 1857 and later sold to Judge John White Brockenbrough and wife Mary Caldwell. The report discusses other owners, including Judge James Kerr Edmondson and wife Emily, and Mary K. Monroe Robinson and husband Edward (descended from the Lyles and Grahams); a physical description of the house and its renovations; and historical information about the owners and their children.
This folder contains an article on the Sloan and Campbell houses, which discuss the builder Alexander T. Sloan and the buildings themselves. Also included is a report on the history of the Sloan House, including floorplans.
This folder contains a paper written for a fine arts class, written by Dick Lovegrove in 1953, about Spring Meadows, the home of Colonel and Mrs. G.A. Derbyshire. The paper discusses structural information about the house as well as information about the owners and sellers.
This folder contains a newspaper article and notes about Stone Castle, inhabited by the Johnstones.
This folder contains a report on the Stone Castle Farm and its owners.
This folder contains a newspaper article, notes, and photographs of Stono, originally known as Jordan's Point and built by Colonel John Jordan. The article and notes discuss owners, including John L. Campbell, Mrs. Anne R. Howell, and William J. Driver. It also discusses the Virginia Military Institute, near which Stono stands.
This folder contains a report and field notes on Sunnyside and its various owners, including Richard Woods and John Greenlee, and photographs and blueprints of the house and land.
This folder contains two copies of a newspaper article about Teaford Inn, located in Kerr's Creek. The articles discusses the history of the Inn and the Teaford family.
This folder contains a report on Thorn Hill and its inhabitants, including General John Bowyer and Mrs. John White Brockenbrough, photographs, blueprints, and floorplans. Also included photocopies of newspaper articles and a declaration for assurance for Thorn Hill.
This folder contains a report and various notes on Thorn Hill and its inhabitants, including General John Bowyer, a trustee of Washington College.
This folder contains an insurance form for the Tomlinson House.
This folder contains photographs of and a report about Tuckaway, a house built by John Stockdale in 1777. The report discusses structural information about the house as well as floorplans.
This folder contains a report about the Valley of Virginia, which lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Alleghenies. The report discusses the architecture in the area and nearby towns.
This folder contains notes on the Waddell House and Livingston Waddell.
This folder contains a report entitled, "History of Old Walkerlands Farm" by Mary Moore Mason. It discusses the owners, including Mr. and Mrs. Robert Edward Mason, James Moore, and James A. Walker; and structural information about the farm.