Hickory Hill (McLean, Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hickory Hill
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Hickory Hill in June 2007
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 Location in Virginia
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| Location | 1147 Chain Bridge Road McLean, Virginia, U.S. |
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| Part of | Langley Fork Historic District (ID82001818) |
| Designated CP | October 19, 1982 |
Hickory Hill is a large brick house located in McLean, Virginia, in the United States. For many years, it was owned by members of the Kennedy family. This family is well-known in American politics, public service, and business.
Contents
The Story of Hickory Hill
When Was Hickory Hill Built?
It's hard to know the exact year Hickory Hill was built. Experts believe it was constructed around 1870. This was shortly after the American Civil War ended. An old map from 1865 does not show the house.
How the House Changed Over Time
The property is about 5.6 acres large. It was once part of a much bigger piece of land. George Walter bought this land in 1846. He built several houses in the area.
The original house had a porch, called a verandah, all around it. It also had a special roof called a mansard roof. In 1931, the house was greatly changed. It was made to look mostly like it does today. More space was added in 1964 with a new north wing.
Early Owners of Hickory Hill
In 1920, a Washington D.C. dentist named James Patrick "Pat" Speer lived at Hickory Hill. He lived there with his wife, Susan Virginia "Jenny" Morgan Speer. They had five younger children living with them. Pat Speer worked in Washington D.C.
The Kennedy Family's Home
In July 1941, Hickory Hill became the home of Robert H. Jackson. He was a new Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. After he passed away in 1955, his wife, Irene, sold the house.
John F. Kennedy's Time at Hickory Hill
The house was sold to United States Senator John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline. John F. Kennedy was a senator from Massachusetts. They lived in the house for one year. During this time, he wrote his famous book, Profiles in Courage. This book later won a special award called the Pulitzer Prize.
Robert F. Kennedy and His Family
After 1956, John F. Kennedy sold the house to his brother, Robert F. Kennedy. Robert and his wife, Ethel, had a growing family. They eventually had eleven children!
While living at Hickory Hill, Robert Kennedy became a very important person.
- In 1961, he became the United States Attorney General. This is the chief lawyer for the U.S. government.
- In 1965, he became a United States senator.
- In 1968, he ran to become President.
Recent Changes to the House
The Kennedy family put Hickory Hill up for sale in 2004. It was listed for $25 million. They later took it off the market in 2008. In December 2009, a businessman from Virginia bought the house for $8.25 million. The house then had a big update and was finished in 2013.
A Special Historic Place
Hickory Hill is part of a special area called the Langley Fork Historic District. This district includes the house and eleven other old buildings. The National Park Service officially recognized it as a historic place. This happened on October 19, 1982, through the National Register of Historic Places.
