Culpeper and the surrounding towns are chock-full of Historic buildings and houses. Here are just a few:
The Burgandine House, c. 1749
Located on South Main, this house is said to be the oldest in the county. The earliest owner was General Edward Stevens (see The Battle of Great Bridge), who in 1774 sold it to Marcus Buck. Originally a log cabin, it was later weatherboarded and an addition added. The older house and the new addition were never merged, and were in fact owned by two different people, until Mrs. Louise Donovan donated the property behind her side of the house to build the public library. This section of the house was torn down to facilitate this. In 1966 Mrs. Elizabeth Burgandine Coons donated the older part to the Town of Culpeper. The house, unspoiled by remodeling, was recently restored.
Hill Mansion, c. 1855
Located at 501 South East Street, this house was built by Major Thomas Hill for his son, Major Edward Baptist Hill.During the Civil War, it was a gathering place for Confederate officers, including General A. P. Hill, brother of the owner. The house was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers, and General Robert E. Lee visited his son there while he was recovering from wounds received in the Battle of Brandy Station. Finally, the house was a headquarters for Union officers. This house has been beautifully restored and is prominently featured in the East Street Christmas Tour.
A. P. Hill Boyhood Home
At the corner of Main and Davis, this large 3-story brick building is said to be the outgrowth of a smaller structure, dated to 1774. General Ulysses S. Grant, awaiting his spring 1864 offensive, is reputed to have walked daily to Dr. Gorrell's pharmacy, located in this building, to purchase cigars and discuss the war.
These are just a few of the Historic homes in and around our area. I'll be adding more from time to time, so please check back.
Sources: Historic Culpeper by the Culpeper Historic Society (an excellent book detailing over 75 Historic homes in the area.)
In and Around Culpeper: Walking and Driving Tours of a Virginia Piedmont Town, by the Town of Culpeper and The Museum of Culpeper History.
