Menokin facts for kids
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Menokin
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Menokin, April 2008
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | NW of jct. of Rtes. 690 and 621, near Warsaw, Virginia |
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| Area | 590 acres (240 ha) |
| Built | 1769 |
| Architect | John Ariss |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000276 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 1, 1969 |
| Designated NHL | November 11, 1971 |
Menokin, also known as the Francis Lightfoot Lee House, was a large farm or plantation in Warsaw, Virginia. It was the home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a very important person in American history. He was one of the people who signed the United States Declaration of Independence. Because of its historical importance, Menokin was named a National Historic Landmark in 1971.
Even though the house is now partly in ruins, a group called the Menokin Foundation is working to restore it. They have a special plan to use glass to fill in the missing parts of the building. This way, visitors can see what the house looked like, but also understand its history and how it changed over time.
Contents
Early History of Menokin
Before the Menokin plantation was built, this land was home to the Rappahannock Indian Tribe. They lived along Cat Point Creek. In 1608, Captain John Smith explored the area. He wrote about meeting the Rappahannocks, which helps us learn about the people and their lives back then. The Rappahannocks called this area "Menokin." This name likely means "He gives it to me" in their language. Francis Lightfoot Lee decided to keep this name for his new home.
Building Menokin and Its Story
Menokin was built around 1769. It was a wedding gift for Francis Lightfoot Lee and Rebecca Tayloe. Rebecca's father, John Tayloe II, gave them the land and paid for the house. The house was a two-story stone building with other smaller buildings around it.
Soon after, Francis Lightfoot Lee became involved in the fight for American independence. He served in the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1779. He famously signed the Declaration of Independence, along with his brother Richard Henry Lee. He also signed the Articles of Confederation.
Francis Lightfoot and Rebecca Tayloe Lee both passed away in 1797. After that, Menokin was owned by Rebecca's nephew, John Tayloe III. Over the years, Menokin changed owners many times. By 1935, it was mostly empty and started to fall apart. In 1995, The Menokin Foundation took over the property.
Francis Lightfoot Lee's Legacy
Francis Lightfoot Lee played a big role in the early days of the United States. He helped shape both Virginia and the new country. We learn about him from his letters and what his friends said. He signed important documents like the Westmoreland Resolves in 1766 and the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
He served in the Virginia House of Burgesses, which was like a state legislature. He also represented Virginia in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776. After 1779, he returned home to Menokin. He enjoyed spending time with his books, working on his farm, and being with his wife, Becky Tayloe. The Menokin Foundation continues to research his life and work.
Menokin's Unique Architecture
Even though Menokin is now a ruin, many of its original parts are still there. About 80 percent of the building's original materials have survived. This includes stones, bricks, and even parts of the wooden frame.
In 1940, when the house was still standing, detailed photos and drawings were made. These documents help us understand how the house was built. In 1964, the original drawings for Menokin were found! Four years later, to save the house's beautiful interior wood, it was carefully removed and stored. This woodwork is now back at Menokin and can be seen at the Foundation's King Conservation and Visitors Center.
In 1971, Menokin was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This shows its great importance to American history.
In 2014, the Menokin Foundation started a big project. They plan to replace the missing walls and roof with strong glass. This way, visitors can see the original structure and also how it's being preserved. This special restoration is expected to be finished by 2022.
Key Dates in Menokin's History
- 1657: The land where Menokin stands is first recorded.
- 1734: Francis Lightfoot Lee is born.
- 1751: John Tayloe II gets the Menokin land.
- 1769: Francis Lee marries Rebecca Tayloe. The Menokin plantation is a wedding gift. Construction of the mansion begins.
- 1771: Francis and Rebecca Lee move into Menokin.
- 1775-1779: Francis Lee serves in the Continental Congress.
- 1776: Francis Lee signs the Declaration of Independence.
- 1797: Francis and Rebecca Lee pass away.
- 1935: Menokin becomes mostly vacant and starts to decline.
- 1968: Menokin is placed on the Virginia Landmarks Register.
- 1969: Menokin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1971: Menokin is named a National Historic Landmark.
- 1995: The Menokin Foundation receives the mansion and land.
- 2004: The Martin Kirwan King Conservation and Visitors Center opens.
- 2014: The Menokin Foundation begins its project to restore the house with glass.
