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WELCOME TO BELLE GROVE PLANTATION.
Belle Grove is located in the
northern Shenandoah Valley near Middletown, Virginia. It is an authentic 1797 Manor House, was built by Major Isaac Hite and his
wife Nelly Madison Hite, sister of President James Madison. Major
Hite, grandson of Shenandoah Valley Pioneer Jost Hite, 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.
Based on design principles of Thomas
Jefferson, this elegant Federal era Manor House features intricate,
hand carved 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 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.
Today, Belle Grove is a National Trust
for Historic Preservation site and the centerpiece of the new Cedar
Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. Situated on 283
acres of the original 483 acres, Belle Grove showcases the
Shenandoah Valley's breathtaking mountain views. Visitors to Belle
Grove's plantation grounds can explore the Manor House, 1815
icehouse and smokehouse, demonstration garden designed by the Garden
Club of Virginia, slave cemetery, and a heritage apple orchard. For
tour information and hours, please click here.
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