Endview Plantation facts for kids
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Endview Plantation (Harwood Plantation)
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 Location in Virginia
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| Location | 362 Yorktown Road, Newport News, Virginia |
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| Area | 24.7 acres (10.0 ha) |
| Built | 1769 |
| Architect | William Harwood |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 08000391 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 8, 2008 |
Endview Plantation is a historic home and park in Newport News, Virginia. It was built a long time ago, in the 1700s. Today, the city of Newport News takes care of it. You can find it on Virginia State Route 238 in the Lee Hall area.
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What is the History of Endview Plantation?
How Endview Plantation Began
Endview Plantation was first known as Harwood Plantation. It was built in 1769 by a man named William Harwood. The house was built along a main road called the Great Warwick Road. This road connected the old capital city of Williamsburg with Hampton.
Endview During the Revolutionary War
During the American Revolutionary War, the house and its land were used by soldiers. William Harwood was a strong supporter of American independence. He was also a political leader. The farm used the labor of enslaved people.
On September 28, 1781, General Thomas Nelson, Jr.'s Virginia militia stopped here to rest. They were on their way to Yorktown. This was just before the British troops, led by Lord Cornwallis, surrendered.
William Harwood served many times in the House of Burgesses. This was like a government assembly for the area. His father, William Harwood, had also served there. William Harwood also represented his area in important meetings during the Revolution. His son, Edward Harwood, later served in the Virginia House of Delegates.
After the war, the area around the plantation faced tough times. Many people moved away.
Endview During the Civil War
Before the American Civil War, Dr. Humphrey Harwood Curtis, Jr. owned the property. He was one of only two doctors in the area. He also owned enslaved people.
In April 1862, during the Civil War, Confederate soldiers used the property. They turned it into a field hospital. This was during the Battle of Dam Number One. This battle was part of the Peninsula Campaign.
Endview Today: A Living History Museum
In the 1950s, the city of Newport News took over the area where Endview is located. The city bought Endview Plantation in 1995.
After the Civil War, an addition was built onto the house. This addition was removed, and a missing chimney was rebuilt. This made the house look like it did in 1860.
Today, Endview is called "The Civil War at Endview: A Living History Museum." You can visit the house museum and see four rooms. These rooms show medical supplies, a living room, Union soldier gear, and a bedroom. Sometimes, actors dress up in historical clothing for special events.
The property also hosts Civil War reenactments once a year. Recently, they started having reenactments of the Siege of Yorktown every two years.
As of Spring 2023, the museum is open from Thursday to Saturday. It is also closed during the winter months.
Media Appearances at Endview Plantation
Endview Plantation was shown on a TV show called Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy. In one episode, the comedian Larry the Cable Guy visited the plantation. He joined a local group that investigates strange happenings, called Southeast Virginia Paranormal Investigations.
The group explored the house to see if there was any unusual activity. They couldn't say for sure that the house was haunted. However, they did record some strange noises and voices on their digital recorders.
