While Stonewall Jackson was a Confederate General there is much named for this man in West Virginia. This area was the boyhood home of General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. The mill was built by his grandfather Col. Edward Jackson in the early 1800’s.
It currently is closed due to covoid. The property also holds a 4H Camp for Boys and Girls.
The first cabin on the property.
A family member cabin moved from New Jersey to the property in 1927
Other cabins on the property
The Mill
The Blacksmith Shop
A beautiful property nestled in the Appalachians. Once re-opened the tour will prove to be fascinating.
Bramwell, West Virginia, is the heart of coal country. During the late 19th/early 20th century fortunes were made in coal. Bramwell, named for JH Bramwell, a civil engineer, held 14 millionaires. Their homes exhibit this wealth.
Start your tour at the Visitor Center. Here background is given regarding the town and a map can be obtained explaining home locations and history.
First stop.. Main Street and the Bryant/Newbold Pharmacy where delicious quick meals and even more delicious ice cream can be purchased. .
Then on to the homes…
My favorite
The homes are not open to the public but it is an enjoyable experience to merely view them from the outside. Many have gardens which adorn the homes.
During the Civil War West Virginia was a Union state, however, not all citizens sided with the Union. That said, the Beverly Heritage Center provides a wealth of background into this Civil War Campaign with a wealth of exhibits and a walking tour. Contact the Center for specifics at http://www.randolphcountywv.com or 1-800-422-3304.
Here is a sampling of the town’s historic buildings…
In this building mercantile interactions occurred.
A Bank from this early era remains.
This is the Laura Jackson Arnold house, sister of Confederate General Andrew Jackson. She opened her home and cared for Union soldiers. Many honors were given for her work.
This antique store adjacent to the visitor center has a fascinating collection of antiques. It also has writings on their walls from soldiers who had fought in the Civil War.
The Rich Mountain Battlefield
A fascinating site with amazing mountain views, however, if you undertake this journey make sure your car has good tires, brakes, and adequate gas. It is quite a climb.
The refurbishing and renovation of this lovely, historic property came about through the efforts of a small group of local retirees and their efforts continue. It is an act of love which continues in Philippi, West Virginia. The Mansion offers many events throughout the year to attract visitors to the site. Live theater with dinner, Sunday Buffet Dinners, High Tea, Yoga, Childrens Heritage Activities, Square dancing, as well as tours are available along with a summer Watercolor Art Show and Sale.
That said the history of the home begins..
In 1803 a European family, the Montesette’s, purchased 400 acres in West Virginia to begin their home in the Americas. They built a cabin and later crafted the home from 1868 to 1870. They later moved to Nebraska acquiring 30,000 acres and remained. Descendants are in contact with the Adaland Mansion Association and visit the property.
After the Monesette’s departure several different owners drifted through and in 1920 Judge Ira Robinson bought the property. When President Coolidge appointed him to operate the Radio Commission, which is now the FCC, he began working in Washington DC.
One of the homes bedrooms
The home again changed hands and was purchased by a coal company who left the home vacant for the next 20 years. It was during that time that the local group appproached the coal company with a plan for renovation. The coal company donated the home to the local retirees.
It is a beautiful site and perfect for weddings and other gatherings. Plans are currently underway for a limited Christmas viewing.
This beautiful geological wonder was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. It is a majestic 215 foot tall structure and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I enjoyed the solitude as being the first patron to the Park that day and what an experience to be alone with such a world renowned work of nature.
Here is the start of the Lost River, an important and mysterious River which twines through both Virginia and West Virginia. Its origin has yet to be discovered.
Another historic point in the Park, the salt peter cave where Thomas Jefferson did excavations for potassium nitrate. This was used in gun powder.
The Monacan Indians inhabited the area in 1699 and an Indian Outdoor Museum is located in the State Park. Descendants of these Indians are still involved in the maintenance of the outdoor museum.
Passed through Lexington, Virginia on my return to West Virginia. What a great stop it was. People were friendly and the area scenic. The streets were early American and the homes quaint. Take a look:
They also have a rather important military school there.
But the best part of the stopover was their open air market.
Here was the best home baked goods I have ever sampled. What sublime chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin and cheesecake squares. They also had quiches, jellies, and an assortment of other canned specialties. Retail damage was done here, and much frozen for Thanksgiving which I am enjoying this week.
Thanks vendors of the Lexington open air market. What extraordinary bakers and cooks you are!
Located in what is now Fairmont, West Virginia, this Fort was built in 1774 as a protection for settlers during the Indian Wars. It was reconstructed in 1974.
More than 50 families lived outside the walls of the Fort, however, during times of Indian raids families moved inside the Fort for protection. The docents provided an accurate depiction of Fort life during this era.
The Fort was named for the Prickett Family. In 1774 they lived in this area with their 11 children. As the family grew they moved West to Ohio and Illinois.
In 1859 a great grandson of the Prickett’s built the Job House on the Fort property grounds. Due to covoid only window views were available.
There is an amphitheater on the grounds of the Fort for events.
This 99 year old designer has a career which has spanned over seven decades and she continues to create. She is the ultimate Barbie who got her Ken in her husband Carl. They spent close to 70 years together before his passing in 2015. This was the same year as a Netflix documentary on their lives was produced.
Always interested in fashion and design the two worked together creatively on everything from the White House to fabric design. Her love for bright colors, oversized eyeglasses, and jewelry are her trademark. At 99, she continues to be a “geriatric starlet” as she describes herself on her Instagram page.
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” -Iris Apfel
I have 1516 photos and 3 videos in my cell phone with 139 items not uploaded to a cloud, whatever that is. For several weeks I have been aware of this but unsure what to do. While I know they only want 99 cents a month to upgrade once I am down to the normal amount of photos it will take $100 worth of effort to cancel the 99 cent fee. And all these 99 cent fees add up. No wonder these tech giants can be philanthropists…
Ages ago I recall signing up by accident with Amazon for an on line book service. This was a temporary offer or so I thought. Months later I discovered I was still being charged. Then after much Amazon angst I discovered Chase dispute. Folks say much about banks but their service was platinum and I am an eternal fan.
Back to the 99 cents… Since I no longer can access my photos for my blog I have taken the risk and paid the 99 cent monthly charge for 45 bytes of storage, again I repeat myself, for whatever that volume is. Is this the equal to a photocopy box full of paper or a file folder?? Who knows but I paid.
An hour later nothing has unlocked and I still can no longer download pictures. The 99 cents a month has not come through. Well, you get what you pay for.. and now to get the 99 cents back. Chase, help!
What a lovely gesture this Lithuanian immigrant created in 1958. While closed due to covoid, I researched further and found it to be 24 x 12, having 6 pews, and holding 12 parishioners. Off route 219 in Eglon, West Virginia, it is a place of beauty and peace. Should you see the sign on your trip, stop by if only to say a prayer and walk the grounds.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 