Thomas Nelson House (Yorktown, Virginia) facts for kids
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Thomas Nelson House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Jamestown, Virginia |
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| Built | 1730 |
| Built by | Thomas "Scotch Tom" Nelson |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000839 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
The Thomas Nelson House is a very old and important home in Yorktown, Virginia. It was built around 1730. For many years, different members of the Nelson family lived there, even during the American Revolutionary War.
After being owned by private families for a long time, the house became a National Historic Landmark in 1966. This means it is a place recognized for its special history. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Park Service bought the house in 1968. They carefully restored it in 1976 to look just like it did in the 1700s. Today, it is part of the Colonial National Historical Park in Yorktown. You can visit it as one of the interesting sites at the battlefield.
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The Story of the Nelson House
The Thomas Nelson House was built by a man named Thomas "Scotch Tom" Nelson around 1730. Later, his grandson, Thomas Nelson, Jr. (1738-1789), lived there. Thomas Nelson Jr. was a very important person in American history. He was one of the Founding Fathers.
Thomas Nelson Jr.'s Role in History
Thomas Nelson Jr. played a big part in forming the United States. He signed the Declaration of Independence. This important document declared America's freedom from Great Britain. He was a delegate, or representative, to the Second Continental Congress. This was a meeting where leaders decided on America's future.
Nelson Jr. was also a successful farmer, a politician (someone involved in government), and later served as the governor of Virginia.
The House During Wartime
The Nelson House saw a lot of history unfold. It was damaged during the siege of Yorktown. This was a major battle in the Revolutionary War. Years later, during the Civil War, the house was used as a hospital.
Restoration and Public Access
In 1914, Captain and Mrs. George P. Blow bought the house. They called it "York Hall." They added some new parts to the house to make it more modern.
However, in 1968, the National Park Service purchased the property. They wanted to bring it back to its original look. In 1976, they finished restoring the house to how it appeared in the 1700s.
Today, the Thomas Nelson House is a National Historical Landmark. It is a special part of the Yorktown Battlefield and the Colonial National Historical Park. Visitors can take tours and learn about its amazing past.
