Federal Hill (Forest, Virginia) facts for kids
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Federal Hill
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Woodlands on the estate
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | S of Forest on VA 623, near Forest, Virginia |
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| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1772, 1782 |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004547 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 9, 1982 |
Federal Hill is a historic house built in 1782. It is located in Campbell County, Virginia. This special house was designed in a style called Palladian.
The first owner of Federal Hill was James Steptoe. He was an important person in Bedford County. From 1772 to 1826, he worked as the county's second clerk. A county clerk helps keep official records and documents. James Steptoe was also a close friend of Thomas Jefferson, who later became president. You can even see Jefferson's architectural ideas in the design of Federal Hill.
After James Steptoe passed away in 1826, his family continued to live in the house. In 1850, the house was sold to the Carter Family. Today, Federal Hill is still a private home.
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The Story of Federal Hill
James Steptoe was born on July 16, 1750. When he was about 20 years old, he went to college. He studied at William and Mary College. There, he met Thomas Jefferson. They became very good friends. Their friendship lasted for their whole lives.
James Steptoe's Important Role
Because of his friendship with Jefferson, James Steptoe got an important job. On January 17, 1772, he became the second clerk of Bedford County. This was a big responsibility.
At first, James Steptoe found life in Bedford County a bit difficult. The area was not very developed. There were not many people living there. He thought about moving to a more settled place. He even asked his friend Thomas Jefferson for help finding a new job.
However, Jefferson encouraged him to stay. Jefferson told him that Virginia would improve. He also said he would be spending more time nearby. Jefferson had recently bought a home called Poplar Forest. James Steptoe decided to stay in Bedford County. He became a respected member of the community.
Building a New Home
In 1781, James Steptoe married Frances Callaway. She was the daughter of a local leader, Colonel James Callaway. After getting married, Steptoe started building a new house for his wife. This house became known as Federal Hill.
The design of Federal Hill shows Thomas Jefferson's influence. It was built in the Palladian style. This style was popular with Jefferson. Even though Jefferson preferred brick, Federal Hill was built with wood.
Jefferson and Steptoe kept in touch through letters for almost 30 years. Their strong friendship was clear. A portrait of James Steptoe even shows a small picture of Jefferson in the background. Thomas Jefferson himself visited Federal Hill several times. These visits are mentioned in their letters.
Passing Down the House
James Steptoe died in 1826 when he was 76 years old. Federal Hill then went to his oldest son, James C. Steptoe. This son also followed in his father's footsteps. He became the clerk of Bedford County from 1820 to 1827. James Steptoe had nine children in total, five sons and four daughters.
Calloway-Steptoe Cemetery
On the land of Federal Hill, there is also a cemetery. It is called the Calloway-Steptoe Cemetery. This is where many important people from the area are buried. Colonel William Calloway is buried here. James Steptoe, his son-in-law, is also buried in this cemetery.
The cemetery covers about a quarter of an acre. It is surrounded by a four-foot-tall wall. Many of the graves have marble headstones.
