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. This house belonged to the Nelson family for many years, even during the American Revolutionary War.
Today, the Thomas Nelson House is a special place. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a building that is very important to the history of the United States. The house is also part of the National Register of Historic Places. In 1968, the National Park Service bought the house. They carefully fixed it up in 1976 to look just like it did in the 1700s. You can visit this house as part of the Colonial National Historical Park in Yorktown.
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What is the History of the Thomas 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. He even signed the Declaration of Independence! He was also a farmer, a politician, and later became the governor of Virginia.
How Was the House Affected by Wars?
The house saw some tough times during wars. It was damaged during the siege of Yorktown in the Revolutionary War. Later, during the American Civil War, it was used as a hospital.
Who Owned the House Later?
In 1914, Captain George P. Blow and his wife bought the house. They called it "York Hall." They added some new parts to the house to make it more modern.
Who Owns the House Today?
In 1968, the National Park Service bought the property. They worked hard to restore the house in 1976. Their goal was to make it look exactly like it did in the 1700s. The house is now officially known as the Thomas Nelson House. It is a National Historical Landmark. It is also a key part of the Yorktown Battlefield and Colonial National Historical Park. You can take tours of the house and learn about its amazing history!
