Belvale facts for kids

Belvale is a very old and important house located in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was built a long time ago, between 1763 and 1766. A man named George Johnston owned it. He was an important person in Virginia's government, serving in the Virginia Assembly from 1758 to 1766.

George Johnston was a friend of Patrick Henry, who was famous for his speeches. Johnston was also a legal helper for George Washington, who later became the first President of the United States. George Washington often visited Belvale, which shows how important this house was. Belvale was Johnston's country home, a place where he could relax away from the city. He also had a home in the city of Alexandria. Sometimes, old records call the house "Belle Vale Manor."

The History of Belvale House

The land where Belvale stands has a long history. It was first given to Richard Carpenter on July 6, 1698. He later left the land to his wife Mary and daughter Ann in 1750. In 1763, they sold the property to George Johnston, who then built the Belvale house. The house was finished in 1766.

Stories and Legends of Belvale

Old stories say that the grounds around Belvale might have a ghost. People believe it's the ghost of a young man who died in a duel. A duel was a fight between two people, usually with weapons, to settle an argument. This young man was supposedly buried under a cedar tree. The legend even says that George Washington helped dig the grave and plant the tree!

Historians have also studied Belvale. The Historic American Buildings Survey looked at the house, which is a private home today. Their records mention that there might have been a cemetery on the property. This cemetery might have been a burial ground for enslaved people who lived and worked there long ago. However, this burial ground is no longer visible today.