History of the Charlottesville Dogwood Festival

Who doesn’t love a local carnival and parade? If you’ve ever spent the spring in Charlottesville, you may be familiar with The Charlottesville Dogwood Festival, either through attending it yourself or hearing it described by locals and through media coverage. This pleasant event full of diverse activities has a rich local history, dating back to 1950. This years festival will be held April 7-24th. Read on to learn more about how The Charlottesville Dogwood Festival came about, some of its important milestones, and how it has evolved through the years.

The Charlottesville Dogwood Festival is a popular two-week long springtime event and tourist attraction in Charlottesville, VA, featuring multiple festive happenings and celebrations, including the parade, fireworks, and a carnival. The festival, first carried out in 1950 as an Apple Harvest Festival, aims to exhibit the Charlottesville and Albemarle areas’ cultural and historical heritage and rich natural beauty, and succeeds in doing so to this day.

The Apple Harvest Festival in 1950 was originally held in the fall and was instituted to celebrate and draw attention to Charlottesville’s vibrant culture and booming trade, and specifically to the local apple production industry. Like the current Dogwood Festival, it involved a grand parade and carnival and the choosing and honoring of an annual festival queen. Nancy Hughes was the first Apple Harvest Queen and after her coronation a Queen’s Ball in her honor was thrown at the conclusion of the festival.

The festival’s first president, Sol Weinberg, was a prominent business leader at this time and played many roles in Charlottesville. He was born in nearby Staunton, attended UVA, served on the Charlottesville School Board, and was elected to Charlottesville City Council. He financed the first festival and was appointed mayor of Charlottesville in 1954.

Dogwood Parade The early years of the festival were exciting and successful. The Charlottesville Municipal Band was a staple of the early Dogwood Festival parades. The Charlottesville Municipal Band was formed in 1992 and has been performing continually ever since. You can still expect to see them at the festival. In 1951 the Belmont Bridge was closed because of the immensity of the festival parade and observers stood in the street intersections near the bridge to watch. Businesses took advantage of the massive parade crowds and both supported floats and ran advertisements on wagons in the parade. Local scouting and civil service organizations also traditionally participated in the parade. Awards were and still are given out for parade floats. In 1951 and again in 1953, a team of acrobats performing in the street without nets were a popular parade attraction. In 1956, a pet show was incorporated into the festival and sponsored by the Charlottesville Kennel Club.

In 1958 the name of the festival was changed to The Charlottesville Dogwood Festival in honor of the Virginia state tree and flower. Variations of the Virginia dogwoods (which are woody plants of the cornus species) grow widely in Eurasia, North America, and Canada. The Dogwood is also the state flower of North Carolina. Dogwoods are known for their abundance of white and pink blossoms.

Wallace McDowell was the first president of the newly named festival. Each new Dogwood Festival has a queen; originally she was a paid actress or model who was chosen from a more urban area like Washington D.C. or New York, but later in 1968 the title was instead given to a local princess. The modern festival includes both a full dogwood court and junior court of young women comprised of pageant participants from the surrounding counties, as well as the crowned queen.

E4A71888-2E66-4841-8215-8842C499CAC2 The carnival was and is the widely attended centerpiece of the festivities and is held in McIntire Park. McIntire Park has been a large, popular outdoor recreation venue since the 30’s. Paul Goodloe McIntire financed the land acquisition in the 20’s. McIntire also provided land to the City of Charlottesville for Lee Park, Jackson Park, and Belmont Park. McIntire Park was designed with a rolling, pasture-style layout as well as sports fields, nature trails, playgrounds, and picnic shelters, and during the carnival, it serves as a fair ground. In 1966 the nations’ first Vietnam War Memorial was dedicated during the Dogwood Festival at McIntire Park. The memorial features a gun, helmet, and a pair of boots, and holds a plaque that lists the names of 23 local men who gave their lives in service. It was founded by Jim Shisler and is re-dedicated yearly at the close of the festival with honorary music, the placement of 23 new flags honoring each fallen hero, a relevant speaker, and a 21-gun salute.

The popular Dogwood Track and Field Meet began the tradition of the festival’s skilled running competitions in 1966. The US Army Golden Knights Parachute team were also a big hit of the festival in the 60’s and 70’s. Other notable highlights of the festival throughout time have been the BarBQ, Dogwood tree sale, Benefit “Breakfast in Charlottesville,” movie in the park, the flower show, and the many carnival rides loved by young and old such as the classic, colorful carousel and ferris wheel. As well as providing festivities and commerce for the local community, the festival has carried out and promoted community service through the volunteer activities of the county princesses and queen.

There are other popular dogwood festivals that occur in several cities across the US, including the annual International Dogwood Festival in Winchester (in Franklin County, Tennessee). The Charlottesville version of the Dogwood Festival continues to thrive. Parades, carnivals, good food (including funnel cake), games, prizes and good music continue to please visitors and bring crowds of participants from near and far. For the 65^th festival in 2014, hundreds attended the festival kick-off in McIntire Park. For over half a century the Charlottesville Dogwood Festival has ridden the waves of social and cultural change and continues to stand the test of time. As Elizabeth D. Wood Smith, author of The Charlottesville Dogwood Festival and member of the Dogwood Festival Board of Directors, wrote, “The Charlottesville Dogwood Festival takes pride in being a long-standing part of an area rich in tradition and heritage.”

Sources:

http://www.charlottesvilledogwoodfestival.org/index.php
Smith, E. D. (2005). The Charlottesville Dogwood Festival. Charleston SC: Arcadia.

Charlottesville Farmers’ Market is Back Saturday, April 2!

Spring is here! What better way to celebrate it than the return of Charlottesville’s legendary farmers’ market! The City Market re-opens this Saturday, April 2 in the Water Street parking lot one block parallel to the pedestrian Downtown Mall, at the heart of the city. If you’re new to the area, this is a great way to get the lay of the land in Charlottesville. The spirit of the city is encapsulated, in this community-driven exchange of goods and ideals, and it has been since 1973. If you’ve been wondering what the farm-to-table movement is all about, this will be a firsthand display. From 7 to noon every Saturday, over one hundred vendors will gather. They serve up more than just grassfed meats, handmade crafts, flaky baked goods, and fresh produce from a laundry list of farms in central Virginia….they offer a slice of life in Charlottesville, a gleaming portrait of the small-town-big city feel that makes this place so unique. This is your chance to come face-to-face with the food you love and the people who love to make it. In honor of the City Market, we’ve compiled a little list describing some of the vendors for whom we’re most excited.

Got Dumplings

If you’ve got a hankering for quick, hot, and fresh Chinese food at dynamite prices, check out this spot. They started as a food truck on Grounds at the University of Virginia, and recently opened up a location on some of the most prime Charlottesville real estate available…the historic Corner. Come for the dumplings…tender servings of meat ensconced in a crisp shell. Stay for the refreshing bubble teas or classic sides like fried rice and spicy kimchi. Bring me some if you remember.

Free Union Farm

A farm in Albemarle County, Free Union was started in 2010 by Joel and Erica, two people with a passion for food. Their philosophy is based on holistic livestock grazing techniques. The cows eat grass, clipping it short enough for ducks and chickens to access green shoots and insects. The ducks provide manure that is 90% water, rejuvenating the soil. Wash, rinse, repeat. You can’t argue with the results, especially when it comes to 100% grass fed and finished cows. This method of farming is highly sustainable, and highly labor-intensive. You can taste it, both at City Market and at notable Charlottesville restaurants like the Ivy Inn and Lampo Pizzeria.

Caromont Farm

Not long ago, this Albemarle farm in Esmont made headlines with an invocation for volunteers to come and snuggle with its kids (non-human). Caromont farm churns out more than just the cutest goats in the county…they also boast some of the finest cheeses in the area. Most of their cheeses are made with goat’s’ milk, like the flagship chevre, a creamy lactic cheese that they launched when they first started in 2007, or the native Esmontian, a semi-firm, enzymatic tomme that’s aged for at least 60 days. The farm also has a commitment to community. Its grass-fed cow’s milk comes from nearby, and the cider it uses to wash its semi-soft Red Row cheese is straight from Albemarle CiderWorks. Their philosophy is simple: good cheese comes from good milk, which comes from happy goats and cows grazing open land.

The Rock Barn

With its vaguely metropolitan atmosphere, it’s easy to forget that Charlottesville is a southern town…until you get a whiff of barbecue. Often, you can thank these guys for the free smells: the Rock Barn is a team of butchers committed to using the whole hog. They offer an $80 pork share and provide their tasty pork to multiple outlets in the ‘Ville. Check ‘em out at the Market, whether you want to cook up a batch of bacon for brunch or spend a few hours smoking a whole pig.

Marie Bette

One of the more unique vendors this year, Marie Bette offers authentic French fare that is both scrumptious and affordable. Take note: authentic, delicious, and affordable…usually the best you can hope for is two out of three. For a few months, Marie Bette was this writer’s “Place Down the Street,” a one-stop-shop for fresh baked bread, delicious coffee, and any number of breakfast, lunch and brunch offerings (also open on Sundays, phew). We’re talking quiches, baguettes, croque monsieurs, and flaky, buttery croissants. We can’t quite speak to what they’ll have at the City Market this year, but chances are it’ll be delicious.

Radical Roots

Established in 2000, Radical Roots is a family farm on five acres in Rockingham County. Like Free Union Farm, the folks at Radical Roots are committed to sustainable agriculture, using permaculture farming techniques to harness the land. They maximize the potential of their five acres by growing certified organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs. And it shows. Sometimes it just takes a sprig of fresh basil or cilantro to elevate your dishes to the next level.

Don’t miss out on the City Market. Consult this list of vendors for more information!

How These Orange County Communities Got Their Names

With over 33,000 people, Orange County is one of the most populous counties in central Virginia (Albemarle County notwithstanding). It was officially recognized in 1734, when Spotsylvania County was divided. The county was named for Prince William III of Orange. It’s known for two very historical places, Barboursville and Montpelier, home of fourth U.S. President James Madison.

At a point, Orange spread as far west as the Mississippi River and, possibly as far north as the Great Lakes. Some historians contend that, at this time it was the biggest county in American history. The county saw limited conflict during both the American Revolution and the Civil War, though it’s purported that Confederate General Robert E. Lee took up headquarters here. After the Civil War, the agriculture-driven Orange County started to focus more on livestock and dairy operations. Virginia designated over 30,000 acres in the western parts of the county, naming it the Madison-Barbour Historic District. This district–which includes Barboursville, Montpelier, and parts of the Monticello Viticultural Area–was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

BarboursvilleRuins

Barboursville

Barboursville is on land in Albemarle County and land in Orange County. It takes its name from Barboursville, the mansion designed by Thomas Jefferson for James Barbour, the influential statesmen who eventually became Governor of Virginia. The mansion burned 62 years after it was built, in a great fire on Christmas Day. The ruins are relatively well-preserved and serve as a regular tourist attraction, due in part to Jefferson’s hand in designing the building. The land on which the ruins are situated belongs to Barboursville Vineyard, one of the most important wineries in the Monticello Viticultural Area.

Gordonsville

Gordonsville is an actual town, rare for most of the counties in the central Virginia area. It’s named for Nathaniel Gordon, who in 1787 picked up 1,350 acres of land. The seller? People allege that he was a cousin of James Madison. At the turn of the century, Gordon got a license to open and operate a tavern where people could eat and stay the night. Like many taverns at this time, it became a crossroads of information, travel, and political discussion. Thomas Jefferson himself referred Gordon’s Tavern (later known as Gordon Inn) as a “good house” sometime circa 1802, while recommending routes that went from the central Virginia area to the newly-built Washington, D.C. It was at the intersection of two highways, one a stage coach road from Charlottesville to Fredericksburg, and one a route that led from Richmond to the Shenandoah Valley. The inn burned down in 1859, was rebuilt as the Exchange Hotel, and is now the Civil War Exchange Museum. One of our favorite places in Gordonsville is the BBQ Exchange, a restaurant with some of the best BBQ this side of the Carolinas. Every February, their seminal Porkapalooza attracts thousands of visitors.

Locust Grove

The U.S. Census has this listed as Orange County’s largest population center. It was established by Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood way back in 1714 and at one point was considered the western frontier of Virginia. Spotswood built a home on part of the Rapidan called Porto Bella. The community is named for the prevalence of black locust trees in the area. The part of the Rapidan River which passes through Locust Grove was part of the Union-Confederacy frontline, and Union General Ulysses S. Grant had a headquarters around the area.

Montpelier

James Madison’s sprawling, 2,700-acre plantation. The precise origins of the name are uncertain, but we know Madison expressed a fondness for the word “Montpelier”, which comes from the French spelling for the term “Mount of the Pilgrim.” There’s also a French resort called Montpellier. Madison inherited the original building from his father, who built it around 1764; two stories of brick, laid in the Flemish bond pattern. It had many resources, i.e. smithy and tobacco crops. Madison was especially proud of the estate and added extensions to it throughout his life, including a Tuscan portico and single-story flat-roofed extensions to create separate living quarters. Madison died in 1836, and he is buried in the family cemetery. Montpelier was owned by the Du Pont family for most of the 20th century. In 1984, the National Trust for Historic Preservation took it over, aiming to restore/recreate the site’s 19th-century conditions, when James and Dolley Madison owned it. This is the result of a $25 million restoration effort. Montpelier is a National Historic Landmark and became an entry on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

Montpelier Station

This small community in Orange got its name from–you guessed it–James Madison’s home. It’s about 3.5 miles from the Town of Orange. Montpelier Station is home to the Montpelier Depot, an old train depot built by the Southern Railroad Company in 1910. The depot is remarkably well-preserved and provides considerable insight regarding the use and construction of these depots. It’s very close to the main entrance of the Montpelier estate.

Orange

The Town of Orange is one of only two towns in Orange County (the other being Gordonsville). It’s the county seat of Orange County, and derives its name from the same source, Prince William III of Orange. It was an incredibly strategic location during the Civil War, given the proximity of the Rapidan River. In fact, historians contend that for a period of over two years, from March 1862 to May 1864, it was effectively the northern border of the Confederacy. Robert E Lee had his headquarters there for awhile…he’s purported to have worshipped at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church over on Caroline Street. The church is actually still standing.

Rapidan

Just five miles from the Town of Orange, Rapidan gets its name very obviously from the Rapidan River. Indeed, it is located on either side of the River. The Orange and Alexandria Railroad also ran through the city. The presence of both the river and the railroad meant that the community took a beating during the Civil War.

Somerset

We are unable to find a historically valid etymology for the beautiful community of Somerset. We have read that it came from the surname of one of two men: either Thomas Somerset, who landed in Virginia in 1622 or William Somerset, who settled in Virginia in 1684. It’s home to Frascati, Philip Pendleton Barbour’s Federalist-style home and estate. It was built between 1821 and 1823 by John M. Perry, celebrated for working closely with Thomas Jefferson on Monticello and the University of Virginia in nearby Albemarle County. Philip Barbour had better luck than his father James Barbour, whose nearby mansion burned on Christmas Day in 1884.

Buying homes in the Charlottesville area

sidewalk-cafe-53318_1280 The city of Charlottesville itself is a thriving mid-Atlantic hub with the charm of a small town and the amenities of a major city. The surrounding locations are close enough for you to enjoy Charlottesville’s various offerings but far enough to have developed their own identities. Gayle Harvey Real Estate has tons of properties in the counties surrounding the city. Together we’ll take a look at a few of the neighborhoods that comprise the “Greater Charlottesville Area.”

Crozet

An unincorporated, census-designated place, Crozet is roughly 20 miles west of Charlottesville. It is situated on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and, consequently boats some truly breathtaking scenery. Places like Mint Springs, (with its 502 acres, three lakes, and “artificial beach,”) or Beaver Creek (with .42km²of water, teeming with sunfish, channel catfish, and largemouth bass) make the most of a beautiful natural environment. Crozet’s gentle, rolling uplands also make it an ideal setting for many breweries and vineyards, including: Starr Hill, King Family Vineyards, Stinson Vineyards, White Hall Vineyards, and many others. Crozet has seen some increased development, evidenced by an influx of members into the community. Despite this, it’s still a close-knit rural town at heart. There’s an annual 4th of July celebration complete with a downtown parade, a carnival, and fireworks. Every Mother’s Day, the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival brings live music and barbecue to the people. Events like this are what make this town great.

Earlysville

Earlysville is nine miles north of Charlottesville, towards the CHO airport. It’s been around since 1822, when its namesake John Early bought nearly 1000 acres that now comprise a part of the town. It’s a quiet place, and great for families, but you don’t have to give up the live music, high-profile sporting events, and stellar restaurants that are intertwined with city life, because Charlottesville is such a quick and easy drive south. As far as Earlysville itself is concerned, there will be plenty of room to spread your legs in this charming, rural area. That’s not to say Earlysville is without its resources; there’s a central business plaza with retail stores, groceries, a dentist, daycare, and mechanic…all the essentials.

Keswick

If you like horses, this is the place to be. Keswick is yet another unincorporated community, located six miles east of town. It’s mostly residential, full of farms and estates. The spirit of foxhunting is alive and well in Keswick. The Keswick Hunt Club works to promote foxhunting by leading hunts around the community from November through March. It’s conveniently situated next to Belcourt and Bridlespur, two big Albemarle County horse farms. It is also across the street from Keswick Hall, a country club with great amenities like an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a full spa! Keswick is one of the most beautiful places in the state. It doesn’t have a central business center and is pretty sparse when it comes to development (there’s a blacksmith, a post office, and a handful of other offerings), but who needs it, with all these bucolic Southwest Mountain visages? The drive through Keswick has been cited as “one of the most scenic in America” according to the New York Times. The Albemarle County government is pretty discerning when it comes to adding infrastructure to the community, in part because there is so much natural beauty to maintain.

Glenmore

Glenmore is a gated community near Keswick, just east of Cville. A suburban development/country club, Glenmore has a wide breadth of amenities and luxuries all its own. You’ll be able to enjoy golf on 18-holes, horseback riding and other equestrian activities, tennis and basketball courts, premier swimming, and a host of other activities. It’s also a family-friendly community with clinics in tennis and golf, bicycle lanes, and so much more.

Afton

Afton is spread between Albemarle and Nelson counties. It’s a little over 20 miles west of Charlottesville, and driving out there will afford you some of the most objectively beautiful sights you can imagine, bursting with lush greens and deep, contemplative blues all over the skyline. Maybe it’s just the elevation, but one can’t help but feel uplifted here. Afton has a strong brewery/vineyard presence, with Blue Mountain Brewery at the helm of the beer scene in the area and both Afton Mountain Vineyards and Veritas Vineyards proving that Charlottesville terroir is a force to be reckoned with. Afton is sparsely populated, but there’s quite a close community nestled in the mountains.

There are many communities in the Greater Charlottesville area that perfect for enjoying the city from a distance. Friendly, close-knit communities, beautiful views, and plenty of breathing room. Visit www.CentralVaProperties.com or get in touch with Gayle Harvey Real Estate to learn more about these and other areas today!

Historic Homes in Virginia

As the first of England’s colonies in the world, the state of Virginia essentially represents the beginning of the British Empire, and its legacy is consequently inextricable from that of the early United States. As such, it is home to a number of historical sites that represent British imperialism, American independence, and so much more.

Jeffersonian Architecture

Thomas Jefferson was America’s first Secretary of State, Virginia’s second governor, and the third President of the United States. He was a voracious reader, elite musician, legendary statesmen, and overall polymath. As such, it is difficult to overstate his influence in a number of areas, not least architecture. His architectural sensibilities were derived in large part from the work of Venetian architect Andrea Palladio, who himself drew from a variety of Hellenistic influences. The symmetry and perspective of Ancient Greek and Roman buildings inspired Palladio’s approach to architecture, and as such, buildings designed by Jefferson retain certain core values…certain ideas inherited from Ancient Greek and Roman temples. This structural approach, this Neoclassical interpretation can be seen in a variety of buildings around Virginia, most notably Jefferson’s plantation Monticello and the Rotunda at his University of Virginia. Jefferson helped conceive the original design for the Virginia State House.

Jefferson designed/influenced several other buildings, for example, Poplar Forest, located very close to Lynchburg….they say he built it as a refuge from the hordes of admirers that flocked to Monticello. Like much of Palladio’s work, it is an octagon house, built on an estate of about 4,800 acres. This architectural tradition prizes symmetry, so there is a cube room in the center (20 ft. to a side, so 400 square feet), and porticos off to each side. It received National Historic Landmark status in 1970. There are many other central Virginia sites that serve to illustrate the state’s rich history:

Oak Grove was once part of the vast Mount Airy plantation on the James River, and was occupied by Union General Sheridan’s troops in the Civil War. Built about 1854, Oak Grove is today a tasteful composite of vintage quality and modern comfort, with the original brick home in front, a three-story addition in back. It’s a three bay, two-story house, conceived in the Greek Revival style with front porch Doric columns. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

Ash Lawn-Highland, the old home of fifth President of the United States is in Albemarle County. He and his family lived there for 24 years, eventually selling the plantation in 1825. He was inspired by Monticello, which is very close by. The estate changed hands a few times until it was sold for the last time in the 1930s. When the owner died, he willed it to the College of William and Mary, Monroe’s alma mater. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The Faulkner House, which houses the Miller Center for Public Affairs and is also known as Old Ivy Inn, Seymour (and various others), was named in honor of novelist William Faulkner who taught at UVa. Built between 1855 and 1856 and remodeled in the early 20th century in the Colonial Revival style, it was influenced in part by Jeffersonian architectural inclinations. Originally a two-story brick building with hipped roof. Temporary headquarters for Union General Thomas Devin. On Old Ivy Road. It was bought by UVa in 1963 and added to the NHRP in 1984.

Farmington is a country club near UVa, in Charlottesville. It was designed and built before the 19th century, but in 1803, Thomas Jefferson added an east wing, later dubbed “the Jefferson room.” It features trademark Jeffersonian concepts, most notably the octagonal structure. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Bellair Farm is an 853-acre farm south of Charlottesville, on land near the North Garden area. It’s been an important part of Albemarle County’s history since it first started operations in the 17th century. The main house was built in the late 19th/early 20th century by Reverend Charles Wingfield, Jr. So great was Wingfield’s reputation that Jefferson personally asked him to officiate the funeral of his sister. Further structural additions were made to the main house in the Colonial Revival style (including some Palladian windows). The house overlooks the Hardware River and the Green Mountains, a beautiful sight. The farm is still in operation today, and its owner Ms. Cynnie Davis is an outspoken proponent of community-supported agriculture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

Michie Tavern was originally on land in Earlysville, Virginia, just north of Charlottesville. It was built in 1784 by Scotsman Willie Michie and remained in the family until the early 20th century. The tavern was a community meeting place, popular among travelers. It was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register in 1993 and the NRHP in 1986, though it’s since been withdrawn from the latter.

McCormick Observatory was a donation to UVa from Leander McCormick, whose family invented and patented the mechanical reaper. In 1878, McCormick donated the telescope (at the time the equal largest telescope in the country) and funds to build a 45-foot dome. It’s just outside Charlottesville, in Albemarle County on the summit of Mt. Jefferson (also known as Observatory Hill). Joined the ranks of the NRHP in 2004 and was soon upgraded from state to national significance.

Cobham Park is one of many historic estates in Keswick, just east of Charlottesville. The estate’s mansion was built in 1856, and unlike many of the surrounding buildings of similar historical stature, it was built in the Georgian style, with Doric porches supported by Ionic columns. It’s a five bay, two-and-a-half story building with a hipped roof. It was added to the NHRP in 1974.

Nelson County, in the Greater Charlottesville area, is also rife with historical significance. It’s known for its snow resort Wintergreen, a plethora of successful vineyards, craft breweries, the Lockn’ Music Festival, and many testaments to its natural beauty including part of the George Washington National Forest. It’s also home to:

Swannanoa is Virginia’s answer to the Taj Mahal, a luxurious, ornate manifestation of love. The difference is that when philanthropist James H. Dooley built it, his wife was still alive. Tiffany windows, Georgian marble, gold plumbing fixtures, and 300 artisans working for over eight years…we’d say that Swannanoa is worth a look. It sits on 590 acres of land in Nelson/Augusta Counties, but it’s partially modeled after buildings in the Villa Medici, in Rome. Calvin Coolidge famously ate Thanksgiving dinner here. Anyone can arrange for a tour of the estate…check the events calendar at http://nelsoncounty.com NHRP in 1969.

Nelson County’s Courthouse, opened in 1810 and has been the judicial center of Lovingston, VA ever since. This two-story building was built just two or three years after the town itself was established. For years, rumor had it that Jefferson designed the building, but this myth was dispelled by an architectural survey as part of the county’s bid for National Historic Register designation. However, it was discovered that Jefferson had designed a jail, which is now the present-day Sheriff’s Office. Many 18-22-year-olds in central Virginia view it as a smaller, more efficient version of his most famous jailhouse, the University of Virginia…but only during Exams Week. The courthouse was listed on the NHRP in 1973.

Bon Aire is yet another historic home in Nelson, located in the city of Shipman. It was built in the Federal style and as such is characterized by the simple, relatively unadorned surfaces and smooth facades of early U.S. buildings whose architects were influenced by the Roman aesthetics very much in vogue after the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum were discovered. It was built in 1812 on a steep hill overlooking the James River. It was added to the NHRP in 1980.

Orange County was founded in 1734, over forty years before the Declaration of Independence was even a gleam in young Jefferson’s eye! It’s best known as the home of fourth President of the United States, James Madison.

Montpelier. We may as well start with James Madison’s sprawling, 2,700-acre plantation. Madison inherited the original building from his father, who built it around 1764; two stories of brick, laid in the Flemish bond pattern. It had many resources, i.e. smithy and tobacco crops. Madison was especially proud of the estate and added extensions to it throughout his life, including a Tuscan portico and single-story flat-roofed extensions to create separate living quarters. Madison died in 1836, and he is still buried in the family cemetery. Montpelier was owned by the Du Pont family for most of the 20th century. In 1984, the National Trust for Historic Preservation took over, aiming to restore/recreate the site’s 19th-century conditions, when James and Dolley Madison owned it. This is the result of a $25 million restoration effort. Montpelier is a National Historic Landmark and became an entry on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

Barboursville (also known as the Barboursville Ruins), is famous for being the only building in Orange County designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. There are hallmarks of his Palladian instincts, as they were quite fashionable at the time (1822). The house had eight huge rooms, including an octagonal drawing room reminiscent of Monticello. He envisioned a projecting Doric tetrastyle portico which covered a recessed front wall at the entry hall. Ol’ TJ had designed it for his friend James Barbour, a famous former Senator, Secretary of War, and VA Governor who had ostensibly planned to live in the mansion for the rest of his days. Unfortunately, the entire estate burned in a fire on Christmas Day in 1824. Everything except for the exterior walls, some partitions, and the portico columns was consumed in the blaze. Now the ruins are part of the property owned by Barboursville Vineyards, and you can see the old mansion from the vineyards. Barboursville Vineyards is widely considered the poster-child for Virginia’s burgeoning viticultural reputation. The terroir in the Piedmont region is similar to places in southern Italy, but Gianni Zonin (the resident winemaker) is so far the only person to successfully plant the common grape vine in central VA since Jefferson famously failed years ago. NHRP in 1969, due in large part to Jefferson’s role in designing the ruin.

Grelen is one of the youngest buildings in the area to be considered a National Historic Place (1998). The five bay, two-and-a-half story building was built between 1935 and 1936 in the Georgian style. It’s topped by a hipped roof made of slate and flanked by one-and-a-half story wings (also brick).

The centuries before this digital age, were not as kind to mankind’s memory. Landmarks and historic sites were more than a few clicks away; they could be miles, sometimes oceans removed from your perspective. For many, these ornate monuments bridged a gap in America’s collective unconscious, provided a tangible link between the struggles and triumphs of a young nation and the distant legends of antiquity. A journey across the Atlantic to see the hallowed relics of Greek and Roman societies is not necessarily a viable option for everyone in today’s America; so one can imagine the significance of buildings in which the spirit, tradition, and aesthetic of antiquity are preserved imparted. These larger-than-life buildings were and are mirrors to the past; more so than any film or photograph could ever be. This is only the surface of Virginia’s rich history. If you’re interested in living a part of this history, visit www.CharlottesvilleHistoricHomes.com or contact Gayle Harvey Real Estate today!

The Virginia Festival of the Book Hits Charlottesville March 16-20

VaBookFestival2016-Orig Charlottesville has a rich literary tradition, influenced by both the personal libraries of men like Jefferson and Madison, the University of Virginia’s vast collection, and the presence of authors like Charles Wright, Rita Dove, and John Grisham. The Virginia Festival of the Book is an annual testament to the social and communal power of literature. For the 22nd year, the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities will bring authors and readers together to celebrate the best things about literary culture. The festival has a wide range of programs, from panels with authors, a celebration of local Pulitzer Prize winners (it’s the Pulitzer’s 99th anniversary), an exploration of Charlottesville’s changing demographic makeup through the lens of literature, and the StoryFest series for the children. Much of the action is concentrated in the downtown mall area, at places like the Paramount Theater, the Central Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Champion Brewery, and the Omni Hotel. There’s also a smattering of events at UVa, most notably at the Culbreth Theater. If you have kids, chances are there’s an event going on at their school, no matter how small.

One of the best things about the Virginia Festival of the Book is the opportunity to come face to face with some truly esteemed writers. One such opportunity will present itself on 6:30pm on Friday, March 18th at UVa’s Culbreth Theater. It’s a celebration of Pulitzer Prize-winning poets Rita Dove, Vijay Seshardi, and Greg Pardlo. Each of the poets will read their award-winning selections and discuss their work. Dove is an esteemed poet, the first African American Poet Laureate, and a professor at UVa. On the 19th at the Central Jefferson-Madison Regional Library on Market Street, two authors, Martha Wolfe and Mary Lyons (author of The Virginia Blue Ridge Railroad) will host a discussion about the Piedmont region and localized history about land in central Virginia. Author Leanna Joyner will highlight Civil War sites situated on the Appalachian Trail; Joyner wrote a book called Hiking Through History: Civil War Sites on the Appalachian Trail. The StoryFest has great offerings for kids, like a celebration of the TV show Arthur’s 20th birthday at the Paramount Theater or the opening ceremony which celebrates literacy in Virginia with Secretary of Education Anne Holton, also at the Central JMRL. There are countless other programs and exhibitions at a variety of locations around the Charlottesville area. Click the link above or get in touch with us at Gayle Harvey Real Estate for more information!

Crozet and Jefferson-Madison Regional Libraries

Every city needs a good library; these days it’s less about getting your hands on a certain book and more about learning in a communal center, or being exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and viewpoints. To that end, the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library is a valuable resource. Central Virginia libraries are informed by an important precedent; the large, extensive private collections owned by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The JMRL was formed in 1972 by the City of Charlottesville, and the Counties of Albemarle, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson, but the history of libraries in the Piedmont region is far more rich.

The Charlottesville JMRL is considered the Central branch, and for good reason. Its location on Market Street is flanked by office buildings, law offices, and homes in downtown Charlottesville. It’s very accessible to anyone in the general area, and they do a great job with outreach and enlightening community programs. The Central branch plays an important role in the Virginia Festival of the Book, which comes to Charlottesville every spring. The reference staff is happy to provide face-to-face tutorials on basic computer skills, and they have a documentary film series on the 4th Thursday of every month. Then there’s the Black Authors Reading Group which has recently gone digital, and Books on Tap series every first Thursday of the month down at Champion Brewery.

Crozet’s incarnation of the JMRL underwent significant renovations in 2013. They relocated from what was originally an old railroad depot to a brand new space, a cavernous, LEED^{^[1]} certified building on 18,300 square feet. The library’s grand opening was September 28, 2013, at which point community members and fundraisers had generated over a million dollars in donations, state grants, and other contributions, including the handmade circulation desk, made locally in Crozet. The new library is a sight to behold, a beautiful building with vaulted ceilings, stone columns, and 360 degrees of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The library has had a marked impact on Crozet, in part because tremendous community effort required to manifest the vision. In fact, Crozet’s local newspaper The Crozet Gazette estimated that library use almost doubled after the new library opened. And utilized for more than just book housing, Crozet’s location hosts awesome events and exhibitions, like local historian Col. Edwin Dooley’s exhibit about the town’s namesake, Col. Claudius Crozet, or the in-depth display of Old Downtown Crozet. The library proves that Crozet is more than just land west of Charlottesville…it’s a thriving, active community in its own right.

^{^[1]} Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, one of the more ubiquitous green energy certification programs in the world.

The Nomenclature of some Central Virginia Towns

Gayle Harvey Real Estate knows the local market, right down to the etymologies of the towns in the Greater Charlottesville area. With a little help from Jean L. Cooper’s A Guide to Historic Charlottesville and Albemarle County, we’ve compiled naming histories for the cities, towns, and unincorporated communities that call central Virginia home. Take a look!

Barracks

As we wrote in this blog, the Barracks area was once a military barracks used to house soldiers during the American Revolution. Thomas Jefferson himself was in charge of the operation, which brought a great deal of revenue from 4,000-odd British and Hessian prisoners. Many of them liked the area so much that they stayed, building homes, lives, and families!

Batesville

The Plank Road area south of Charlottesville leads to Batesville. Originally called Oliver’s Store and then renamed Mount Israel by 1829, the town was finally renamed in honor of the Bates’ an influential family in the area. One source claims that Mr. Bates owned a blacksmith shop. It was settled in the 1730s, making it older than Albemarle itself.

Covesville

This small community is comprised primarily of agricultural farmsteads. It was established in the 1740s by German and Scotch-Irish immigrants seeking religious freedom. A group of Presbyterians founded the town along Rich Cove, a valley in Charlottesville near Cove Creek.

Crozet

Crozet-a census-designated place in Albemarle County-is quickly becoming one of the most popular locations in the Greater Charlottesville area. In 1870, its citizens changed the name of the village from Wayland’s Crossing to Crozet, in honor of Colonel Claudius Crozet. Crozet was a French-born teacher and civil engineer who was instrumental in the construction of the Blue Ridge Tunnel in the 1850s.

Earlysville

Just north of Charlottesville, this small unincorporated community was named for John Early, who settled down with just under 1,000 acres in the general area.

Esmont

Esmont is a small community on rich, fertile land in Albemarle County. When we say small, we mean…less than 600 people. It was named for the Esmont plantation which was an economic driver early in the town’s history.

Free Union

A census-designated place on Albemarle County land, Free Union was originally called Nicksville, after a freed slave named Nick who opened a blacksmith’s shop in the center of town in the 19th century. To avoid confusion with the town of Nixville, the village changed its name to Free Union, after its Free Union Church. The church was “free” because all races could worship there, and it was a “union” of four Christian denominations, none of which could afford a church of their own.

Howardsville

This settlement (originally called Howard’s Landing) was established by planters in the 1730s and 40s, on the northern bank of the James River at the point where it is joined by the Rockfish River. This means that, along with Scottsville, it was one of the founding communities in Albemarle County, predating the foundation of the county itself. The name was changed to Howardsville, but both names are a nod to Allen Howard, one of the original settlement’s principal founders.

Ivy

This crossroad community was probably founded by the Lewis and Woods families in the 1740s along the well-traveled Three Notched Road. That’s Lewis as in Meriwether Lewis, one half of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. Present-day Ivy was originally called Woodville; then Woodville Depot after the arrival of the railroad in 1851; then Ivy Depot (after Ivy Creek, which flowed through the settlement); and finally Ivy.

Keswick

Keswick was technically “founded” in 1849 when the Virginia Central Railroad connected the cities of Charlottesville and Gordonsville. “Keswick” was the name of the estate that was intersected by the line, a piece of property belonging to the Reverend Thornton Rogers on land that may have been a part of Peter Jefferson’s original Shadwell holdings.

How These Fluvanna Communities Got Their Names

Fluvanna County is east of Charlottesville land, with a county of over 25,000 people. It’s conveniently located between Cville and Richmond, two distinct hubs of culture and commerce. Present day Fluvanna’s land was part of Henrico County. In 1727, Henrico split and the land became part of Goochland. It was then passed on to Albemarle County in the wake of another split, and finally became Fluvanna County in 1777 during a pivotal time in U.S. history, just a year after the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. “Fluvanna” is the name given to the James River once it’s west of the city Columbia. It means “Anne’s River”; its namesake is Queen Anne of England. The Rivanna River also flows through the county. Here’s a little bit about some of Fluvanna’s communities.

Bremo Bluff

Sitting on the northern bank of the James River, Bremo Bluff was established by the Cocke family all the way back in 1636! At least, that’s when Richard Cocke received a land patent for 3,000 acres along the James. He named it Bremo Bluff in honor of Braemore, the family’s historical home in the United Kingdom. Confederate General Robert E. Lee visited the community during the Civil War; his wife Mary Custis Lee would stay there occasionally, eager to leave the stressful environment of wartime Richmond.

Columbia

At one time it was the last independent town entirely on Fluvanna County land. Columbia dates back to at least 1788, when it was a stagecoach road situated between the cities of Staunton and Richmond. It’s at the confluence of the Rivanna and the James Rivers. Once called Point of Fork, it was the site of a small battle during the Revolutionary War. It was an incorporated community with a mayor until 2015, when it was deincorporated and reabsorbed by Fluvanna County.

Fork Union

Although Columbia is closer to the titular fork, the name of this town is likely a reference to the point at which the Rivanna and the James meet. It’s known for having the only Presbyterian congregation in Fluvanna, and one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in the entire state. It’s also home to Fork Union Military Academy, a private, all-male military boarding school with Baptist affiliation.

Kents Store

We can’t say for sure, but if we had to guess…there was a guy named Kent. He probably owned a store.

Lake Monticello

This is by far the most populous locale in Fluvanna County, with a population of over 9,000. It’s essentially a commuter town for the nearby city of Charlottesville on land 15 miles southeast of the hub. To a lesser extent, it serves the same purpose for Richmond. There’s also a significant part of the population that is retirement age. It’s centered on a lake of the same name.

Palmyra

On the eastern bank of the Rivanna, Fluvanna’s county seat is Palmyra. Its population was only 104 in the 2010 census, but its postal area, the “Greater Palmyra area” is much more populous as it includes the Lake Monticello community. Palmyra was once owned by the Timberlake family. In 1814, Rev. Timberlake had a five-story brick grist mill built, and he it called Palmyra Mills, hence the name. The mill was burned by Union troops in 1865. The Timberlake family and their relatives the Shepard family owned all but four acres of Palmyra until 1854. They leased the 41 other residences, and only they were allowed to own property in a bizarre, quasi-feudal experiment.

Scottsville

Last but definitely not least is Scottsville, the only independent town in Fluvanna. Technically, Scottsville is on land in Fluvanna County and on land in Albemarle County. Early on, in the 18th century it was the westernmost extension of Virginia trade and government, situated on the James River at a point when rivers were the most efficient way to travel long distances. It was originally called Scott’s Landing, and we can only assume someone named Scott landed, or something. Scottsville was very much in the mix when it came to culture and commerce in central Virginia after the Civil War; lots of money from the Shenandoah Valley was coming in, because of a wagon road which linked the town Staunton, and because of its prime location just 19 miles south of Charlottesville land. At one point it was the largest grain market in the state of Virginia. Its proximity to the James is both a blessing and a curse: Scottsville has flooded 21 times since 1870!

How These Six Nelson County Towns Got Their Names

NelsonCountyCourthouse — Nelson County Courthouse

Nelson County makes its home in the Greater Charlottesville area, which means it has access to most of Cville’s metropolitan pursuits, including big-ticket sporting events, world class food, state-of-the-art movie theatres, and high profile concerts. But you won’t need it, because this almost 500 sq mi of land southwest of Albemarle County is one of the most beautiful places in America, with some truly awe-inspiring, unencumbered views of the vast and mighty Blue Ridge Mountains. Nelson County was founded over 200 years ago, in 1807. It was named for Thomas Nelson, Jr., a Founding Father, member of the Continental Congress, governor of Virginia, and founder of the Declaration of Independence. Technically there are no cities or incorporated towns in Nelson, only unincorporated communities. We’ll tell you about some of them here, and explain the stories behind their names.

Afton

Afton is a beautiful stretch of land on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its history likely dates back to the 19th century, when Claudius Crozet (namesake of the central Virginia town) built a series of tunnels to get a railroad line through the Blue Ridge Mountains at Rockfish Gap. The largest of these tunnels was the 4,723 foot long Blue Ridge Tunnel, an engineering marvel that was the longest tunnel in America at the time. Afton is very near the east end of that tunnel, and local legend holds that Crozet himself suggested the name to railroad officials, probably getting inspiration from Little Afton, a stream in his home of Brooksville. Blue Mountain Brewery is one of Afton’s mainstays, a testament to homegrown, local food and drink, and an example of Charlottesville’s farm-to-table aesthetic at work.

Arrington

This small community is probably most celebrated for hosting the Lockn’ Music Festival every fall on the Oak Ridge estate. Its etymology was a little tough to pin down, but we have a pretty good guess: There appear to have been several people named Arrington in Virginia in the 18th century, many of whom lived and died in Campbell, VA (on Albemarle County land). Perhaps the name of this small village has something to do with them.

Lovingston

Founded in 1807 along with Nelson itself, this community of just over 500 people
has been the county seat since 1809, when the courthouse was built. By the way, that courthouse is still in use today, and its original jailhouse was designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. A 30-acre piece of land was given to the Lovings, an influential family in the area; in turn they gave their name to the community.

Massie’s Mill

Likely named for Revolutionary War Veteran Thomas Massie or one of his descendants, possibly William Massie, whose well-preserved personal letters are the subject of much historical inquiry. Thomas Massie moved to Nelson County in the early 19th century, and his records indicate he “held sway over a diversified system of grain milling and plantation operations that grew into a substantial operation under the management of William Massie” (Stampp 2). It was at ground zero for the devastating Hurricane Camille, considered one of the worst natural disasters to hit the Commonwealth. All of Nelson County was affected, but Massie’s Mill was among the most affected communities.

Nellysford

The Wintergreen Resort on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains makes its home in Nelson County, in this community. The legend goes that a woman named Nelly drowned trying to cross (or “ford”) a stream somewhere in the Rockfish Valley area. Now it’s home to some of the more popular breweries in central Virginia; Bold Rock Hard Cider, Devils Backbone, and Wild Wolf Brewery.

Schuyler

Originally called Walker’s Mill, the little village was renamed Schuyler in 1882; both names were in honor of Schuyler George Walker, a miller and the town’s first postmaster. Towards the end of the 19th century, Schuyler was known for its stone cutting plant, which milled soapstone from nearby quarries on behalf of the Alberene Stone Company. It was hit by the Great Depression and this industry was decimated. This is also the birthplace of Earl Hammer, Jr. a writer who based the CBS television show The Waltons on his experiences growing up in Depression-era Schuyler.

Works Cited

Stampp, Kenneth M., ed. “Records of Ante-Bellum Southern Plantations from the Revolution through the Civil War.” The Journal of American History Series G: Selections from the Barker Texas History Center, University of Texas at Austin, Part II 76.4 (1990): 1342. University Publications of America. Web.