Ash Grove (plantation) facts for kids
Ash Grove is a historic house in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. It was built a long time ago, in the 1700s. This house was once part of a large farm called a plantation.
In 1790, a man named Bryan Fairfax had Ash Grove built. He was a very important person, holding a special title called "Lord Fairfax." He built the house for his son, Thomas Fairfax. The house was located on a road called Leesburg Pike, not far from where Tysons Corner is today.
It is believed that Ash Grove got its name from an older house owned by the Fairfax family in England. Later in his life, Thomas Fairfax bought another large property called Vaucluse Plantation. He then gave Ash Grove to his second son, Henry. Henry married Caroline Herbert, and they had several children. They also ran a special school for young ladies at Ash Grove.
Changes Over Time
Captain Henry Fairfax passed away during the Mexican–American War in 1847. After his death, the property was bought by James Sherman on June 20, 1851.
During the American Civil War, the area around Ash Grove was a difficult place to live. It was often called "no man's land" because it was between the two fighting sides. Stories from the Sherman family tell of interesting events that happened at Ash Grove during this time.
James Sherman died in the spring of 1865. He left Ash Grove to his son, Franklin Sherman. Franklin had been a Lieutenant in the 10th Michigan Cavalry during the Civil War. After the war, he returned to farm the land at Ash Grove. He also became a Sheriff, a member of the local Board of Supervisors, and served on the School Board. Today, an elementary school in Fairfax County is named after him.
The property then passed to Franklin's son, Wells Alvord Sherman, and later to Wilson C. Sherman.
Ash Grove Today
In 1997, the house was bought from the Sherman family. Today, Ash Grove is a public park in Fairfax County, Virginia. It is a place where people can visit and learn about history.
