William Fitzhugh (the Immigrant) in his lifetime amassed 54,000 acres in several land holdings including Ravensworth. He established his residence and seat of operations on the Potomac River, first at Bedford Plantation and ultimately at Eagle’s Nest Plantation. At his … Continue reading →
Role in Ravensworth: founder of Ravensworth – owner Parcel 1.0 William Fitzhugh was born in England in 1651, the son of a successful woolen merchant. He studied law and immigrated to Virginia about 1670-71. In 1674, he married Sarah Tucker … Continue reading →
The story of Ravensworth starts with William Fitzhugh, who bought the Ravensworth landgrant as a speculative investment in 1685. He is commonly referred to as William Fitzhugh (the Immigrant) to distinguish him from other Williams in the family. A similar … Continue reading →
Chain of Ownership and Division William Fitzhugh (the Immigrant) cited as his initial claim to this land a deed of sale “dated 22 August 1685 and acknowledged in Stafford Court the 19th September next following.”1 Apparently, the Proprietors of the … Continue reading →
At his death in 1783, Henry Fitzhugh (Colonel)’s will provided that his half-share of Ravensworth (Parcel 1.1) be divided among his five youngest sons: Nicholas (age 19), Richard (age 18), Mordecai (age 16), Battaile (age 12) and Giles (age 10). … Continue reading →
The north and south parts of Ravensworth evolved along different paths, starting with the second partition. The north was immediately divided into several parcels, and the new owners would soon subdivide further to sell parts both within and outside the … Continue reading →
First Partition Changes When William Fitzhugh (the Immigrant) died in 1701, his will divided Ravensworth equally between his two oldest sons.1 Parcel 1.1 – Henry Fitzhugh (Captain) received the north half Parcel 1.2 – William Fitzhugh, Jr. received the south … Continue reading →
Ravensworth remained exclusively in Fitzhugh family hands from 1685 to 1796 when parcels began to be sold to outsiders. William Fitzhugh (the Immigrant) never lived there nor did any of his heirs for the first 100 years. Even into the … Continue reading →