Beverley (West Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Beverley
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Front of Beverley
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jefferson County, West Virginia, USA |
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| Nearest city | Charles Town, West Virginia |
| Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Built | 1760 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000486 |
| Added to NRHP | March 20, 1987 |
Beverley, also called Bullskin, is a historic farm near Charles Town, West Virginia. This farm has been active since 1750. It is a great example of how farms used to be.
The main house at Beverley was built around 1800. It was built by Beverley Whiting. The house stands where an older stone house from about 1760 once was. The style of the house mixes Georgian and Federal style designs. Later, a Greek Revival porch was added. Several smaller buildings from the original 1760 farm are still there. Beverley is an important landmark in Jefferson County. It shows the long history of farming in the area.
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The Farm's Early Days
The land for Beverley farm was first bought in 1750. Richard Stephenson bought it from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron. Over the next ten years, Stephenson built a stone house. He also built two stone outbuildings. These are smaller buildings separate from the main house. He started the farming business that still runs today.
Oldest Buildings in West Virginia
We don't know the exact year the two stone outbuildings were built. But they were definitely standing by 1760. These buildings are some of the oldest in West Virginia. The western outbuilding was used as a school for many years. This was in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The eastern outbuilding was used as a kitchen. Because they are so old, these stone buildings are special. They are listed as Jefferson County Historic Landmarks.
Revolutionary War Heroes
Richard Stephenson had seven children. Two of his sons became important during the American Revolutionary War. Colonel John Stephenson served with great honor. But his brother, Colonel Hugh Stephenson, is more famous.
Colonel Hugh Stephenson's March
Colonel Hugh Stephenson had fought in earlier wars. These included the French and Indian Wars. In 1775, George Washington suggested him for a special job. He was to lead one of Virginia's rifle companies. Colonel Hugh Stephenson led the famous Bee Line March. This march started from Morgan Springs on July 16, 1775. They marched all the way to Cambridge, Massachusetts. They joined the Continental Army there. They covered 600 miles in just 24 days!
Other Family Connections
Colonel Stephenson's half-brother was Colonel William Crawford. He also lived at Beverley for a time. William Crawford was another noted Revolutionary soldier. He died in 1782 during a conflict. George Washington was friends with Richard Stephenson. Washington wrote in his journal about staying at Bullskin in May 1760. He was visiting his own land nearby. George Washington even surveyed the property for Richard Stephenson around 1750. This original survey still exists today. You can see it in the Boston Public Library.
Changing Owners and Names
The Stephenson family sold the property in 1777. Dr. John Bull bought it then. Later, in 1795, Beverley Whiting bought the farm. Beverley Whiting was an important farmer and leader. He was active in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties after the Revolution. He was even on the first grand jury in Jefferson County in 1802.
Around 1845, the farm's name changed. It went from "Bullskin" to "Beverley." Around 1870, the property was sold again. John Burns bought it. The farm has stayed in the Burns family ever since.
