Oak Grove, Westmoreland County, Virginia facts for kids
Oak Grove is a small, quiet community located in Westmoreland County, Virginia. It's not a big city or a town with its own government, but it's a special place with a lot of history. You can find Oak Grove on the Northern Neck of Virginia, which is a piece of land shaped like a finger between two important rivers: the Potomac River and the Rappahannock River. Long ago, when Virginia was still a colony of England, Oak Grove was a busy stop for stagecoaches carrying people and mail.
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Discovering Oak Grove's Past
Oak Grove is a community filled with stories from the past. It's located in a part of Virginia that has seen many important events. This area is known for its beautiful old buildings and its connection to famous people.
A Place Full of History
Oak Grove is very close to the places where two important American presidents were born. These include George Washington, who was the first president of the United States, and James Monroe, who was the fifth president. Imagine living so close to where such famous people started their lives!
Old and Beautiful Buildings
The area around Oak Grove is home to many historic buildings. These buildings show us what life was like long ago. Some of the most famous ones include:
- Wirtland at Oak Grove: This is a large house that looks like a castle, built in a style called Gothic Revival. It's so special that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important part of American history.
- Ingleside: Another historic home in the area.
- Roxbury: This is also a historic building.
- St. Peter's Episcopal Church: This old church is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been a place of worship for many years.
Important Families of Oak Grove
Oak Grove was also home to several important families who played a role in its history.
The Critcher Family
One notable family was the Critcher family, who lived at a large estate called Audley.
- John Critcher: He was an important person who served as a United States Representative. This means he was elected by people to represent them in the United States government.
- Catharine Carter Critcher: John's daughter, Catharine, became a well-known painter. She created many beautiful artworks.
The Lyon Sisters
Audley was also home to two sisters, Elizabeth and Lulie Lyon. Both sisters later married Claude A. Swanson, who was a very important person in Virginia's history. He served as a governor of Virginia and later as a United States Senator.
