Lauderdale (Buchanan, Virginia) facts for kids
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Lauderdale
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 13508 Lee Hwy., near Buchanan, Virginia |
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| Area | 12.3 acres (5.0 ha) |
| Built | c. 1821, c. 1840, 1926 |
| Architectural style | Federal, Greek Revival, Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 07001132 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 31, 2007 |
Lauderdale is a historic house located near Buchanan in Botetourt County, Virginia. This grand home is named after James Lauderdale Sr., who owned the land in the 1700s. He bought 366 acres in 1749. By the 1780s, he owned over a thousand acres. The house was built around 1790. Lauderdale is one of the largest houses in Botetourt County, with thirty rooms. Its tall ceilings and beautiful hand-carved wood make it a very impressive home in Virginia.
Contents
History of Lauderdale
Early Days
James Lauderdale Sr. settled in the area around 1730. At that time, the land was still home to Native American tribes. The Lauderdale estate was once a large plantation of 1200 acres. In 1796, James Lauderdale Sr. sold 444 acres, including the house, to Colonel Henry Bowyer. Many records incorrectly state the house was built in 1821. However, old county records show that Colonel Bowyer bought the house in 1796. This means it was built much earlier.
People Connected to Lauderdale
Lauderdale was a very important place in Botetourt County. Many parties, weddings, and community events happened at the mansion.
A famous story involves a legal case about an enslaved person named Rose. Her mother, Jenny, was also enslaved by Mr. Lauderdale. The story of Rose is told in a book called Rose - A Woman of Color.
Another notable person was Pleasant Richardson. He was an enslaved person who escaped from the Lauderdale plantation during the American Civil War. He joined the Union Army and became a soldier in the 45th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. After the war, Pleasant Richardson returned to Virginia. He settled in nearby Fincastle, Virginia, where he became a property owner.
Changes Over Time
The Lauderdale house has been changed and updated several times. Major additions and remodels happened around 1840 and again in 1926.
The house is a two-story brick building. It has a central hallway with rooms on one side. The front of the house faces north and has five sections. There is also a two-story section at the back and another addition from 1926.
The house shows different architectural styles. It has Greek Revival details, which were popular in the 1800s. In 1926, a Colonial Revival style portico was added to the front. A portico is a porch with columns.
On the property, there are also other old buildings. These include a small outbuilding and a privy.
Later Owners
Over the years, Lauderdale has had several owners. At one point, Edward Johnston sold the property to Edward J. McCulloch. Four years later, McCulloch sold Lauderdale to James Mundy. James Mundy then allowed his son, Oliver T. Mundy, to use the house and farm. Oliver Mundy lived at Lauderdale with his wife, Laura Rader Mundy, and their son, Armand P. Mundy. Oliver Mundy used large Percheron horses from the farm to help maintain the local roads. Later, Oliver built another house across the road and moved there.
Lauderdale was recognized for its historical importance. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
