Gloucester Va isn’t bereft of deserted mansions dating back to post revolutionary times. Rosewell Plantation was built with the intent to outdo the size and opulence of the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg just across the York River. Unfortunately that “intent” was never brought to fruition. The photo shows the current remains of the main house at Rosewell. Unlike in historic Williamsburg VA there was no Rockefeller Foundation money available to restore what was lost to time and flames. The plantation was inhabited by the Page family and their hundreds of enslaved people. The main building burned down in 1916, but what was left was a photographic history of the interiors and some items of furniture and furnishings recovered from the ruins. The Rosewell Foundation museum on the grounds details the turbulent history of the place and that of the family who built it. The docents were very knowledgeable and even opened an hour early to walk with us through the grounds while providing insights into what we were seeing. They truly added perspective to the life experiences of those who lived and toiled in that mansion and those fields.
At the time of this post Rosewell Plantation is closed for the season, but if you’re in search of an off the beaten path historical adventure next spring keep Rosewell in mind. Visit their website (Rosewell.org) for more information.
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