Belle Grove
Belle Grove is the centerpiece of the new Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. Situated on 283 of the original 483 acres, Belle Grove showcases the Shenandoah Valley’s breathtaking mountain view. Visitors to Belle Grove’s plantation grounds can explore the Manor House (once called "the most splendid building west of the Blue Ridge"), 1815 icehouse and smokehouse, demonstration garden designed by the Garden Club of Virginia, slave cemetery, and a heritage apple orchard.
Major Isaac Hite and his wife Nelly Madison Hite (sister of President James Madison) built Belle Grove in 1797. Major Hite was the grandson of Shenandoah Valley pioneer Jost Hite, and expanded his original 483 acres to a prosperous 7500 acre plantation, growing wheat, raising cattle and Merino sheep, and operating a large distillery and several mills. The centerpiece of the property has always been the Manor House. Based on design principles of Thomas Jefferson, this elegant Federal era home features intricate, handcarved woodwork and a restored interior. The house was constructed of native limestone quarried on the property.
Currently restored to Belle Grove’s early 19th century elegance, the house is remarkably unscathed despite more than two centuries years of turmoil and triumph. Belle Grove was used as a headquarters by Union General Phillip Sheridan during the Civil War Valley Campaign of 1864 and was at the very center of the pivotal Battle of Cedar Creek. After a surprise attack by Confederate General Jubal Early in the early hours of October 19, 1864, General Sheridan quickly regained the territory, securing the Valley for the Union and boosting President Abraham Lincoln’s chances for re-election.
Regional Events
The Landscape of Slavery: Tour and Landscape Walk,
05/17/08
Charleston,
South Carolina
An in-depth guided tour exploring the existing landscape features, archaeological sites, maps, and documents, to reveal the actual landscape of slavery as it existed centuries ago at Drayton Hall (Charleston, South Carolina).
18th Century Encampment,
05/24/08
Middletown,
Virginia
Visit an 18th century encampment of costumed re-enactors demonstrating crafts, gunsmithing, outdoor cooking, and pioneer skills on Belle Grove’s wooded acres. Members of the Shenandoah Long Rifles are on site to interpret the Shenandoah Valley’s frontier past.
GardenFest,
06/07/08
Middletown,
Virginia
Featuring a plant sale and demonstrations by area Master Gardeners, this very special event celebrates the Valley’s agricultural and horticultural heritage. Enjoy browsing through a selection of plant and garden vendors, a yard sale, and Middletown’s own farmer’s market.
Regional Sites
Decatur House, Washington, District of Columbia, National Trust Historic Sites
Drayton Hall, Charleston, South Carolina, National Trust Historic Sites
Edward V. Valentine Sculpture Studio, Richmond, Virginia, Historic Artist Homes & Studios
Gari Melchers Home and Studio, Fredericksburg, Virginia, Historic Artist Homes & Studios
James Madison's Montpelier, Orange, Virginia, National Trust Historic Sites
Melrose Plantation Historic Home, Melrose, Louisiana, Historic Artist Homes & Studios
Oatlands, Leesburg, Virginia, National Trust Historic Sites
Pope-Leighey House, Alexandria, Virginia, National Trust Historic Sites
President Lincoln's Cottage, Washington, District of Columbia, National Trust Historic Sites
Rosenwald Schools, Charleston, South Carolina, 11 Most Endangered
Shadows-on-the-Teche, New Iberia, Louisiana, National Trust Historic Sites
St. Elizabeths Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, 11 Most Endangered
Woodlawn, Alexandria, Virginia, National Trust Historic Sites
Woodrow Wilson House, Washington, District of Columbia, National Trust Historic Sites
