Hickory Hill (Glasgow, Virginia) facts for kids
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Hickory Hill
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Distant view from the south
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 197 Hickory Hill Lane, Glasgow, Virginia |
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| Area | 123 acres (50 ha) |
| Built | 1824 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000760 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 30, 2006 |
Hickory Hill is a historic estate located in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It's a beautiful old home with a rich history, built almost 200 years ago. Today, it's recognized as an important historical site.
Contents
Discovering Hickory Hill's History
Hickory Hill was built between 1823 and 1824. It was originally the home of Reuben Grigsby, who was born in 1780. He had a large family, and one of his cousins was a well-known educator named Hugh Blair Grigsby.
The Grigsby Family Home
Reuben Grigsby's daughter, Mary Ann Grigsby, married William Sanderson McCormick in 1848. William was the son of Robert McCormick, who owned a large farm called Walnut Grove in the same county. After their son, Robert Sanderson McCormick, was born, Mary Ann and William moved to Chicago. There, William joined his famous brothers, Cyrus and Leander J. McCormick, in their business.
Reuben Grigsby lived at Hickory Hill until he passed away in 1863. His son, Lucien Porter Grigsby, was the last Grigsby family member to own the farm.
A New Chapter for Hickory Hill
In 1874, the large estate was divided up, and some parts went to Reuben's daughters. By 1878, the main house was sold to pay off Lucien's debts. Over the next few decades, the house had several different owners.
Then, in 1929, two cousins, Robert Rutherford "Colonel" McCormick and Chauncey McCormick, bought Hickory Hill. They were both great-grandsons of Reuben Grigsby, bringing the estate back into the family. The McCormick family owned Hickory Hill until 1944.
The Architecture of Hickory Hill
The main house at Hickory Hill is built in the Federal architecture style. This style was popular in the United States during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The house is made of brick laid in a special pattern called "Flemish bond." It also has three chimneys built right into the walls.
On the south side of the house, there's a two-story porch called a "portico." This porch has tall, strong columns known as "Doric columns," which are a classic style from ancient Greece.
Hickory Hill as a Historic Site
Hickory Hill is recognized for its historical importance. It was added to Virginia's state list of historic places on June 8, 2006. Later that year, on August 30, 2006, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places.
At the time it was listed, the owners were Donald J. Hasfurther and Cameron F. Bushnell. About 123 acres of the original estate were still preserved.
Hickory Hill is located at 197 Hickory Hill Lane. You can find it between State Route 608 (also known as Forge Road) and Interstate 81, just north of the town of Glasgow, Virginia.
