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 house in Blacksburg, Virginia. It was built between 1772 and 1774. The house was the home of Col. William Preston, a very important person in early Virginia. It was also the main building for his large farm.
Two Virginia Governors were born at Smithfield: James Patton Preston and John B. Floyd. The house stayed in the Preston family until 1959. Then, it was given to an organization that helps save old buildings.
Contents
The Story of Smithfield
Early Land and William Preston
Smithfield was built on a huge piece of land. This land was first given to James Patton by the King of England. Sadly, James Patton died in 1755 during an attack called the Draper's Meadow massacre.
His nephew, William Preston, bought the land. William Preston built the Smithfield house between 1773 and 1774. He was a very important leader in the early days of America. He might have even written important documents like the Fincastle Resolutions.
William Preston stayed at Smithfield even with dangers from people loyal to England and Native American groups. These were difficult times because of the American Revolutionary War. He died in 1783 during a local meeting of soldiers.
The Preston Family Legacy
After William Preston passed away, his wife, Susanna Smith Preston, lived at Smithfield for 40 more years. Their son, James Patton Preston, later inherited the farm. He became a Governor of Virginia.
His son, William Ballard Preston, also grew up at Smithfield. William Ballard Preston worked with Abraham Lincoln in Congress. He was part of a group called "The Young Indians". Later, he wrote Virginia's papers to leave the United States in 1861.
Many of William and Susanna Preston's family members became important leaders. Four Virginia Governors were their descendants:
- James Patton Preston
- John Floyd
- James McDowell
- John Buchanan Floyd
Their family also helped start and grow several universities. These include Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech, and University of South Carolina.
Design of the Smithfield House
The Smithfield house has an L-shape. It has tall ceilings and big rooms. The way the house is built and decorated is special for a home on the frontier.
One interesting thing is that the main bedroom is between the living room and the dining room. This might mean that William Preston wanted to show off his fancy bedroom furniture to his guests.
Saving Smithfield for the Future
In 1959, Preservation Virginia received Smithfield as a gift. The gift came from Janie Preston Boulware Lamb, a descendant of William Preston. With help from Preservation Virginia and the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, the house was fixed up. It opened to the public in 1964.
The rooms in the house are filled with furniture and art from the 1700s and 1800s. The museum in the basement has many old items found at Smithfield. These include things from Native American people.
Outside, there is an 18th-century kitchen garden. Volunteers take care of this garden. You can visit Smithfield for tours from April through the first week of December.
