Upper Wolfsnare facts for kids
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Upper Wolfsnare
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Upper Wolfsnare home on July 4, 2012
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2040 Potter's Road, E of jct. of Rtes. 635 and 632, Virginia Beach, Virginia |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1759 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75002119 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 26, 1975 |
Upper Wolfsnare, also known as Brick House Farm, is a historic brick house in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was built around 1759 in the Georgian style. Thomas Walke III built this home.
Contents
A Look Back at Upper Wolfsnare's History
The Walke Family and Early Years
Thomas Walke III, who built Upper Wolfsnare, was an important officer in the British Army. His son, Thomas Walke IV, played a part in early American history. He was a member of the Virginia Ratifying Convention in 1788. This group voted to approve the United States Constitution, which is the main set of laws for the U.S. Thomas Walke IV was one of two representatives from Princess Anne County.
The first Thomas Walke (Thomas I) came to this area in 1662 from Barbados. He started a trading business between the Virginia colony and Barbados. This trade likely included goods like rum.
When Thomas Walke III passed away in 1761, his son, Thomas Walke IV, inherited a large property. It was about 7,000 acres (2,800 hectares) at that time.
Changes Over Time
The Walke family owned the property until 1822. By then, it was about 300 acres (120 hectares). After that, the house changed owners many times. Today, the property is about 3 acres (1.2 hectares) in size.
Since 1966, the Princess Anne County/Virginia Beach Historic Society has owned Upper Wolfsnare. Even though it's a historic site, people still live in the house today. You can visit the house for tours on certain days in the summer.
Location and Design of Upper Wolfsnare
Where is Upper Wolfsnare Located?
The house got its name because it is located next to Wolf Snare Creek. It sits on the upper part of the creek's south side. The area around the house can be noisy. It is located between Naval Air Station Oceana and Interstate 264.
At one point, the house was almost torn down. This was to make space for a ramp for the interstate highway. However, people who cared about history worked hard to save the property.
The road leading to the house, at 2040 Potter's Road, has many trees lining it. These include beautiful crepe myrtle trees. From Potter's Road, trees mostly hide the house. Beyond the trees, the area is open, flat, and marshy.
The House's Unique Architecture
Upper Wolfsnare is a two-story house. It is built with a special type of brickwork called Flemish bond. This means the bricks are laid in a pattern that makes the walls very strong and look nice.
Inside the house, there is a passage that runs through the center. The walls have special wooden panels called raised paneling and wainscoting. These details show the style of homes built during the colonial period.
Upper Wolfsnare is recognized as an important historic site. It was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register in 1974. Then, in 1975, it was listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.
See also
