Belle Grove
Through the Civil War
Belle Grove was at the very center of the Battle of Cedar Creek, a decisive turning point in the war. (Photo by Ron Blunt) Learn More
Belle Grove, a National Trust Historic Site
Belle Grove boasts authentic Jeffersonian architecture, a fine decorative arts collection and breathtaking views of Shenandoah Valley. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith) Learn More
An Authentic Interior
The Manor House's authentically restored interior features intricate, handcarved woodwork (Photo by Ron Blunt) Learn More
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.
Belle Grove is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and operated by Belle Grove, Inc.
Preservation History
Belle Grove is well preserved today due to the thoughtful care given by its 20th century owners: Andrew Jackson Brumback, who acquired the property in 1907; his son, J. Herbert Brumback, who operated it as an inn during the 1920s; and Francis Hunnewell, who restored Belle Grove after acquiring it in 1929.
Hunnewell, who enjoyed walking the Valley's trails and byways, was a frequent guest at Belle Grove when it was managed as an inn by the Brumback family. The Secretary of the Harvard Corporation and phaenogamic (flowering plants) curator of the New England Botanical Club at Harvard, Dr. Hunnewell realized that the site was eminently worthy of saving for future generations.
In 1930, Hunnewell retained Washington, D.C., preservation architect Horace Peaslee, who restored the house to its early 19th-century condition, keeping the architectural integrity of the house intact. Soon after the National Trust for Historic Preservation was established, Hunnewell decided it would a suitable custodian for the property and wrote his will to that effect. In 1964, Dr. Hunnewell bequeathed Belle Grove, 100 acres of surrounding farmland and an endowment of $200,000 to the NTHP. In August of 1967, Belle Grove officially opened to the public as an historic house museum.
In 1978, the operation of Belle Grove was transferred to Belle Grove, Inc, a 501 (c) (3) foundation. This foundation funds and operates the property, which is owned by the NTHP.
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