Smithfield (Blacksburg, Virginia) facts for kids
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Smithfield
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Smithfield Plantation
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1000 Smithfield Plantation Rd, Blacksburg, Virginia |
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| Area | 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) |
| Built | 1773 |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000261 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 12, 1969 |
Smithfield is a historic plantation house located in Blacksburg, Virginia. It was built between 1772 and 1774 by Col. William Preston. This house served as his family home and the main office for his farm.
Smithfield is famous for being the birthplace of two Virginia Governors: James Patton Preston and John B. Floyd. The house remained a family home for many years. In 1959, it was given to the APVA (now Preservation Virginia) to be preserved.
Contents
A Journey Through Time
The Land's Early Story
The land where Smithfield stands was once part of a very large area. This area, about 120,000 acres, was first given to James Patton by the British Crown. Sadly, James Patton was killed in 1755 during an event called the Draper's Meadow massacre.
William Preston Builds Smithfield
After James Patton's death, his nephew, William Preston, bought the property. Preston then built the Smithfield house between 1773 and 1774. William Preston was a very important leader during the colonial period. He might have even written the Fincastle Resolutions, which were important documents before the American Revolution.
Preston continued to live at Smithfield despite many dangers. There were threats from Loyalists (people loyal to Britain) and Native Americans. The American Revolutionary War also caused many problems. William Preston lived at Smithfield until he passed away in 1783.
Generations at Smithfield
After William Preston's death, his wife, Susanna Smith Preston, lived at Smithfield for 40 more years. Their son, James Patton Preston, later inherited the farm. James Patton Preston also became a Virginia Governor.
Smithfield was also the home of James Patton Preston's son, William Ballard Preston. William Ballard Preston worked with Abraham Lincoln in the 1840s in Congress. He was part of a group called "The Young Indians". Later, in 1861, he wrote Virginia's Articles of Secession.
Many important people came from the Preston family who lived at Smithfield. These included four Virginia Governors: James Patton Preston, John Floyd, James McDowell, and John Buchanan Floyd. Many other family members became legislators. Preston descendants also helped start and grow several universities. These include Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech, and the University of South Carolina.
The House's Unique Design
The Smithfield house has an L-shape. It has high ceilings and large rooms, which was unusual for homes on the frontier back then. One interesting feature is the master bedroom. It is located between the parlor (living room) and the dining room on the first floor. This suggests that William Preston wanted to show off his fancy bedroom furniture to his guests.
Keeping History Alive
Restoring a Historic Home
In 1959, Preservation Virginia received Smithfield as a gift. It was given by Janie Preston Boulware Lamb, a descendant of Colonel William Preston. With help from Preservation Virginia and the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, the property was carefully restored. It then opened to the public in 1964.
What You Can See Today
Today, the rooms of the Smithfield house are filled with beautiful items. You can see Decorative arts furniture, portraits, and other objects from the 1700s and 1800s. In the basement, there is a museum. It displays many artifacts found at the site, including Native American relics.
Outside, you can explore an 18th-century kitchen garden. Volunteers take care of this garden. Smithfield Plantation is open for tours from April through the first week of December. It's a great place to learn about early American history!
