List of plantations in West Virginia
Plantations that operated within the present-day boundaries of West Virginia were located in the counties of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians and in the Kanawha and Ohio River valley regions. Beginning in the mid-to-late 18th century, members of the Washington family and other prominent Virginia families began to build elegant Georgian mansions on their plantations in the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians region of present-day West Virginia.[1] Plantations initially developed in the counties lying within the Northern Neck Proprietary of Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron within the Shenandoah Valley and South Branch Potomac River valleys.[2] Slavery as practiced through plantations in the American South was carried over from the plantations of the Piedmont and Tidewater regions of Virginia, where plantations had become the foundation of society and industry.[2] Following the French and Indian War, settlement and agricultural development continued unabated in the Shenandoah and South Branch Potomac valleys.[3] Early instances of western Virginia plantations with grand homes include the John Ariss-designed Harewood (1774) for George Washington's brother Samuel Washington and Happy Retreat (1780) built by Washington's younger brother Charles Washington, both of which are located near Charles Town in present-day Jefferson County.[4][5][6] In Hampshire County, Nicholas Casey constructed a Georgian mansion (1774) at his Wappocomo plantation, one of the first plantation houses of its kind in the South Branch Potomac River valley.[7]
Plantations continued to develop along the fringes of present-day West Virginia. By the close of the 18th century, Harman Blennerhassett had constructed a mansion on his plantation on Blennerhassett Island and Moses Shepherd had built Shepherd Hall near Wheeling, both in the Ohio River valley.[4] Despite the agricultural development of then western Virginia's bottomlands and the resulting wealth of the plantation owners, the hinterlands of the Allegheny Mountains and Allegheny Plateau regions remained underpopulated and inhabited by subsistence farmers of meager means into the middle of the 19th century.[4] By the 1860 United States Census, Berkeley, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Kanawha, and Monroe counties consequently had the largest populations of slaves in present-day West Virginia.[8]
The economic and political differences between western and eastern Virginia began to grow. Following Virginia's secession from the Union in 1861, the Restored Government of Virginia was established at Wheeling during the American Civil War.[9] Despite West Virginia receiving Union statehood on June 20, 1863, sympathies and loyalties within the state's borders remained divided, especially within areas economically dependent upon the plantation system.[9] However, slaveowners in western Virginia tended to own fewer slaves than their counterparts in eastern Virginia and many did not support Virginia's secession.[10] In Mason County, where small farms were reliant upon slavery, its residents overwhelmingly supported the Union cause.[9] During the war, many plantations in West Virginia served as preferred venues for military headquarters and meeting places for both Union and Confederate military officers due to their adequate accommodations and resources. Altona near Charles Town was utilized as a military headquarters and meeting place for Union generals Philip Sheridan and Ulysses S. Grant, with Sheridan making use of the farm's horses and carriage.[11] Other plantations, like Mill Island and Willow Wall near Moorefield, and Elmwood near Shepherdstown, were utilized as hospitals for wounded soldiers and irregulars.[12][13][14]
In anticipation of the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the West Virginia Legislature at Wheeling passed an act abolishing slavery in West Virginia on February 3, 1865, thus ending the institution of the plantation in West Virginia.[15] Since the 1960s, many of West Virginia's plantation houses have acquired places on the National Register of Historic Places, the United States government's official list of sites, buildings, and structures deemed worthy of preservation. The house at Traveller's Rest, near Kearneysville, is West Virginia's sole plantation house designated as a National Historic Landmark for its national-level historical significance. As of 2014, the majority of West Virginia's plantation houses remain under private ownership.
Key
Color and symbol | Historic register listing |
---|---|
* | National Historic Landmark |
† | National Register of Historic Places |
‡ | United States Historic District |
Not listed on a register. | |
Plantations
See also
- History of slavery in West Virginia
- List of plantations in the United States
- National Register of Historic Places listings in West Virginia
References
- ↑ Chambers 2004, pp. 20–21.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ambler 1910, p. 8.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Wallace, Edie; Reed, Paula S. (August 2006). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Barleywood". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Chambers 2004, p. 21.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 McGee, Ted (March 9, 1973). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Happy Retreat". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Snell, Charles W. (August 1, 1972). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Harewood". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Brannon 1976, pp. 313–316.
- ↑ Kennedy 1864, pp. 516–518.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Chambers 2004, pp. 26–27.
- ↑ Burleyson, Eric; Weiblen, Kirsten; Riebe, Erin (April 2004). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Captain David Pugh House". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Ehman, Jean Crolius (July 13, 1995). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Altona". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Snider, Nancy (August 1972). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Mill Island". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Snider, Nancy (August 1972). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Willow Wall". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 McGee, Ted (March 9, 1973). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Elmwood". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Division of Culture and History (2013). "On This Day in West Virginia History: February 3". West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2010-07-09. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Owens, Valarie; Dunkum, Mike; Murdock, Jennifer W. (January 18, 2003). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Christian Allemong House". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Harding, James E. (October 27, 1979). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Aspen Hill". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ McGee, Ted (April 5, 1973). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Beall-Air". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Pauley, Michael J.; Marshall, Paul D. (November 18, 1983). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Belvedere". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Pauley, Michael J. (August 1986). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Beverley". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Pauley, Michael J. (January 20, 1980). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Blakeley". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Hershman, Marlene (May 1982). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Blennerhassett Island Historic Area". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Hyman, Elizabeth H.; Pogany, Erin; Jourdan, Katherine (September 10, 1999). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Boidstones Place". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Pauley, Michael J. (November 1, 1981). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: The Bower". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Brannon 1976, pp. 406–408.
- ↑ McGee, Ted (April 1973). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Cedar Lawn". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ McGee, Ted (October 6, 1972). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Claymont Court". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ McGee, Ted (March 9, 1973). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Cold Spring". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Reed, Paula S.; Wallace, Edie (August 2006). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Cool Spring". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Gioulis, Michael; Wood, Don C. (April 30, 1994). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Cool Spring". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Wood, Don C. (1980). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Edgewood". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ McPherson, Beth Ann; Pierce, Susan M. (September 20, 1996). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Fort Hill". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Harding, James E. (October 27, 1977). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Green Bottom". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Schmauss, David C. (July 28, 1988). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Samuel Gwinn Plantation". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Pitts, Phillip R.; Harding, James E. (March 2, 1976). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Hazelfield". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Collins, Rodney S. (January 25, 1986). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Henderson Hall". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Brannon 1976, pp. 296–300.
- ↑ Baker, Charles; Riebe, Erin (May 2010). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Hickory Grove". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Pauley, Michael J. (April 2, 1984). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Hillside". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Harding, James E. (May 13, 1974). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Holly Grove". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Crolius, Jean T. (November 20, 1993). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Hopewell". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Ruth, Frances D. (September 30, 1983). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Lick Run Plantation". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Collins, Rodney S. (March 1984). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Couch-Artrip House". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Pauley, Michael J. (January 15, 1991). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Lynnside Historic District". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Wood, Don C. (1980). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Maidstone Manor Farm". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Taylor, David L. (October 2003). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Maidstone-on-the-Potomac". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Harding, James E. (April 1975). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: The Manor". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Crolius, Jean T. (March 8, 1993). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Media Farm". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Turley, C. E.; Harding, James E. (March 12, 1975). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: David S. Creigh House". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Snell, Charles W. (July 27, 1972). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Prato Rio". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ McGee, Ted (October 6, 1972). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Richwood Hall". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Brinker, Loretta; Jourdan, Katherine (July 2001). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Washington Bottom Farm". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Brannon 1976, pp. 323–324.
- ↑ Pauley, Michael J. (1982). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Rion Hall". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Crolius, Jean T. (August 5, 1989). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Rockland". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Ruth, Frances D. (September 1983). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Edward Tabb House". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Lewis, Clifford M. (September 21, 1970). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Shepherd Hall". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Blickenstaff, Julia S.; Creamer, Carmen; Wood, Don; Grove, Beverly; Geertsema, Galtjo L. (December 13, 1994). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Jefferson County Alms House". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Brannon 1976, pp. 300–302.
- ↑ Pauley, Michael J. (October 6, 1980). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Sycamore Dale". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Snell, Charles W. (July 31, 1972). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Traveller's Rest". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Brannon 1976, pp. 309–312.
- ↑ Zimmerman, Courtney Fint (August 24, 2012). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Valley View". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Pauley, Michael J.; Marshall, Paul D. (November 15, 1983). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Jacks-Manning Farm". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Turley, C. E.; Harding, James E. (November 4, 1976). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Walnut Grove". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Ripley, Ronald (June 30, 1993). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Byrnside-Beirne-Johnson House". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Lazelle, Jeremy (November 22, 1999). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Woodlawn". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ↑ Wallace, Edie; Reed, Paula S. (March 2006). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: York Hill". United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
Bibliography
- Ambler, Charles Henry (1910). Sectionalism in Virginia from 1776 to 1861. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. OCLC 608613818.
- Brannon, Selden W. (1976). Historic Hampshire: A Symposium of Hampshire County and Its People, Past and Present. Parsons, West Virginia: McClain Printing Company. ISBN 978-0-87012-236-1. OCLC 3121468.
- Chambers, S. Allen (2004). Buildings of West Virginia. Oxford, New York City: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195165487. OCLC 53315276.
- Kennedy, Joseph C. G. (1864). Population of the United States in 1860 Compiled from the Original Returns of the Eighth Census under the Direction of the Secretary of the Interior. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. OCLC 173567.
External links
- Media related to Plantations in West Virginia at Wikimedia Commons
- West Virginia Division of Culture and History State Historic Preservation Office
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