If you would be in Charlottesville and/or visiting Montpelier make sure to check out the Gilmore Farm
“The historic Gilmore Farm. This parcel is the site of the restored home of George Gilmore, a former slave at Montpelier who lived there with his wife Polly and their family. A large Civil War Encampment site, immediately adjacent to the Gilmore Farm, was occupied during the winter of 1863-1864 by troops from Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, before they fought at the Battle of the Wilderness. Easements on these properties will protect these cultural assets and make them available for the public benefit” READ MORE
“In 2005 Montpelier restored the Gilmore Cabin to give visitors an opportunity to see the transition from slavery to freedom for African Americans. It stands as the only restored Freedman's home in Virginia.” READ MORE
Hugh shows us around and gives us a history lesson.
Let’s take a look upstairs in the “loft”
“In 1880, 15 years after the Civil War ended, freedman and farmer George Gilmore's personal property included one horse, two cows, four swine and various poultry. All together, his assets were worth $26.” READ MORE
Hugh said, “There are some black bears in the area. I’m afraid one day they may show up for a pork sandwich.”
And just down the road you will find the Montpelier Train Depot ( Now a Museum ) and the subject of a future post.
What a wonderful story. I love touring places like these. We went to a Pioneer Village at Caesar Creek this weekend after the Sauerkraut Festival but it had just closed. Drat! I took some pictures of the old buildings from a distance though. Hope the bears don't eat those pigs.One was spotted at Rockbridge this spring. That is close enough. LOL!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great to find hidden gems like this? I love the way you linked to the pages for more information ... great technique that I may just steal one of these times ;>) Love the pictures. Thanks
ReplyDeleteGilmore Farm looks like an interesting place to visit. By the way, as I was looking at your photographs, I was thinking how great the exterior and interior shots of the house would look in sepia or black and white.
ReplyDeleteIncredible history in this ol place! WoW! =)
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