White's Fort (Hayfield, Virginia) facts for kids

White's Fort was an old house and a fortification (a strong building for defense) in Virginia. It was near a place called Hayfield in Frederick County. People also called it "White Hall."

The first part of White's Fort was built between 1732 and 1735. It was built by Dr. Robert White (1688–1752). He was a Scottish American physician (a doctor), a military officer, and an early pioneer (someone who settles new land).

Later, during the French and Indian War, Dr. White's son, Major Robert White, used the fort. He used it to protect European American settlers. These settlers lived near Great North Mountain. White's Fort was also the birthplace of Alexander White (1738–1804). He was one of the very first members of the United States House of Representatives.

History of White's Fort

Who Built White's Fort?

Dr. Robert White was one of the first settlers and doctors in Frederick County, Virginia. He arrived there between 1732 and 1735. Dr. White chose his land, which was about 375 acres (152 hectares). It was located along Hogue Creek, south of Hayfield. Today, U.S. Route 50 runs nearby. Dr. White named his farm "White Hall."

The first building that became White's Fort was built between 1732 and 1735. It was Dr. White's main home. When Dr. White passed away in 1752, his oldest son, Major Robert White, received the "White Hall" property.

How White's Fort Became a Fort

In 1763, Major Robert White made the house bigger. He added a taller stone building about 4 feet (1.2 meters) from the original house. He also built a stockade (a fence made of strong wooden posts) next to it. This was to make it a fortification (a defensive structure). It helped protect his family and other families living near Great North Mountain. They needed protection from attacks during the French and Indian War. After Major White added to his father's house, the buildings became known as "White's Fort."

Protecting Settlers During the War

In July 1763, Major White heard that Native Americans were coming towards Frederick County. They were coming from the Cacapon River in Hampshire County. He quickly warned his neighbors to come to his fort for safety. One neighbor, Owen Thomas, decided not to leave his crops. Sadly, he was killed by the approaching Native Americans.

The next year, in June 1764, Major White heard that Native Americans were in the area again. He invited his neighbors to come to his fort for safety. More than 20 settlers listened to his warning. However, they were attacked by Lenape tribesmen while on their way to White's Fort. Most of them were killed. Some were captured, and a few escaped. One woman survived even after being scalped.

Samuel Kercheval, who wrote A History of the Valley of Virginia in 1833, mentioned White's Fort. He said that Major White "had a small fort around his house as an asylum for the people in the neighborhood." An asylum is a safe place.

The End of White's Fort

Major White later bought another piece of land, about 374 acres (151 hectares), from his brother John White on April 7, 1790. In 1790, Major White built a brick mansion on this new property. This mansion later became known as "Hayfield." The buildings that made up "White's Fort" were destroyed by fire around 1919.