Introduction; First Family of Virginia
If you live in Gloucester, Virginia, you have most likely heard of the Rosewell Plantation. It’s a historic landmark that sits on the end of a long gravel road, which was home to one of the first familes in Virginia. Rosewell was built between 1725 and 1733, this three-story home was built by Mann Page and his son, Mann Page II.
History of the Plantation
The Page family first arrived in Virginia in 1650, and when Mann Page decided to build him and his family home, some thought they outdid themselves with Rosewell. The cost of this plantation overreached Page family funds in such a way that two generations were affected financially. The plantation is very well-known, this is because it hosted the area’s most elaborate formal balls and celebrations throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Architectural historian, Thomas Tileston Waterman, describes the plantation house as “the largest and finest of American houses of the colonial period.” In 1837 the Page family sold the mansion to Thomas Booth; he made many changes throughout his time living there. In 1916 there was an abrupt fire that broke out and destroyed the mansion. This left a carcass made of columns of red bricks that have been the subject of archaeological work. This has shined light on many artifacts and some aspects of colonial life and architecture that were previously unclear. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
The Haunted Rumors
Some say that the Rosewell is haunted, it is reported that there are sightings of a mysterious lady who is said to walk the front steps every night, and the spirits of slaves alleged to have been buried in the cellar walls are also rumored to appear. Apparently, one of the slaves that were kept at the plantation placed a curse on the home. Many visitors have experienced paranormal activity while exploring there, such as sudden drops in temperature and hearing disembodied voices. The perservers of Rosewell have picked up “electronic voice phenomena there,” and recommend that if you come to bring an EVP detector.
A Lost Landmark
In the years that have followed since last housing a guest, an interest in this house has remained by many. There are countless unmarked graves of slaves whose names we may never know that fill the property, but these are the stories that are unknown. In 1979 the Taylor family donated the remains of Rosewell to the Gloucester Historical Society. Today, the Rosewell Foundation is still working hard to preserve what’s left of the landmark. If you would like to see the plantation, you can visit it (5113 Old Rosewell Plantation Rd) Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sundays 1 pm to 4 pm.
