Edge Hill (Shadwell, Virginia) facts for kids
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Edge Hill
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Entrance to the estate
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | North of Shadwell on State Route 22, near Shadwell, Virginia |
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| Area | 96 acres (39 ha) |
| Built | c. 1799, 1828, 1916 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004537 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 10, 1983 |
Edge Hill is a very old and important house located near Shadwell in Virginia. It's also known as Edgehill or Edgehill Farm. This historic home has a long story, connected to famous families and even a school for girls.
Contents
The Early Story of Edge Hill
How the Land Became Edge Hill
The land where Edge Hill stands was first given to William Randolph in 1735. King George II of England granted him about 2,400 acres. Later, William's son, Thomas Mann Randolph, Sr., inherited this large piece of land.
In 1790, Thomas Mann Randolph, Sr. gave the land to his son, Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.. This was a wedding gift when Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr. married Martha Jefferson. Martha was the daughter of Thomas Jefferson, a famous U.S. President and governor of Virginia.
Building the First House
The younger Randolphs liked the cooler weather in Albemarle County. Around 1799, they built a small, one-story wooden house on the property. However, they often preferred to live at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home.
Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr. helped manage Jefferson's farm. He also managed his own property. Over time, he faced many money problems.
The Main House We See Today
The main house at Edge Hill is a two-story brick building. It was built in 1828. Sadly, a fire badly damaged the inside in 1916, but it was rebuilt.
Thomas Jefferson Randolph was one of Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.'s sons. He was also Thomas Jefferson's favorite grandson. After his father's money troubles, Thomas Jefferson Randolph bought the estate in 1826. This included the house, land, and workers.
About two years later, he hired skilled builders. William B. Phillips and Malcolm F. Crawford helped him build the current house. It was designed to look like Monticello and the University of Virginia. From Edge Hill, you can often see Monticello in the distance.
Edge Hill School for Girls
A School on the Hilltop
The very first house built on the Edge Hill property is still there. It was carefully moved to the top of a hill. This old house was used for a special purpose.
In 1829, Jane Hollins Nicholas Randolph started a private school there. It was an academy for young ladies. The school ran until about 1850. Later, it became a school for girls again from 1867 to 1900. The building was also used as an office at times.
Edge Hill's Later Years
The Randolph family owned Edge Hill for a very long time. However, in 1902, after Carolina Ramsay Randolph passed away, the property was sold. It was no longer owned by the Randolph family.
Edge Hill is a very important historical site. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it is officially recognized as a place worth protecting for future generations.
