The 1792 survey plat in deed A2:186, which divided Parcel 1.1, shows the locations of nine Parcel 1.1 leaseholders. There are 10 house-like symbols, nine with name labels, and a circle marked “Mill.” The left side of the drawing is … Continue reading →
The 78-acre Annandale Campus of Northern Virginia Community College is land that changed ownership many times between 1649 and its purchase by the state of Virginia in 1966 and 1971. Forty-one transactions are accounted for, thanks to title research by … 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 →
Northern Neck Grant – Sometime before 1685, John Matthews and unnamed partners purchased a landgrant of 21,996 acres from the proprietors of the Northern Neck Grant. Parcel 1.0 – In 1685, William Fitzhugh (the Immigrant) bought the 21,996-acre landgrant that … Continue reading →
Geologic history – A brief look below the land’s surface and at the forces that created it. Ravensworth plantation (24,112 acres, 37.7 square miles) was carved into smaller and smaller parcels through several generations of ownership due to inheritance, sale … Continue reading →
The story starts with William Fitzhugh’s purchase of the Ravensworth landgrant in 1685. Explore… how the land was acquired, partitioned and used the people who owned and disposed of its parts; others who worked, visited and helped shape it Ravensworth’s … Continue reading →