This site began in March 2013 with 30 pages. Ninety more were added through summer 2018, and a few “What’s New?” announcements since then. There are hopes to add new research but other projects keep getting in the way. I … Continue reading →
Thirteen months ago, the Fairfax County History Commission began work on a research inventory to capture, communicate, and preserve the African American experience throughout Fairfax County’s history. The first draft of this ongoing project is now available online, the Fairfax … Continue reading →
Journalist Tom Shoop’s August 23 article The Plantation and the Pizza Hut examines past and current efforts to preserve history in Fairfax County. This website was one of his many sources. And I am pleased that my photo of Dennis … Continue reading →
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the September 21st Oak Hill open house event to say hello and talk about my book, Oak Hill and the Ravensworth plantation, including at least two Fitzhugh descendants. The day also marked an end … Continue reading →
I am pleased to offer a short biography of Beth Mitchell with a list of her major works. A Beth Mitchell map was the early inspiration for my fascination with Ravensworth. Her works are the basis for much of the … Continue reading →
Much of the past year has been devoted to reshaping the information presented in this website and creating new images and maps, all in suitable form for the printed page. I hope it will find a place in public libraries … Continue reading →
“Cousin Anna” to Robert E. Lee and widowed in 1830, Anna Maria Fitzhugh was matron of Ravensworth for 44 years and its protector during the Civil War. Samuel Smothermon was transported to the Virginia colony to serve seven years as … Continue reading →
With the site’s 4th birthday in April 2017, a top to bottom review was due. All hyperlinks/URLs were tested and several inoperable links updated to their new addresses. A few were deleted where the target page is no longer available. … Continue reading →
John Ratcliffe married Ravensworth leaseholder Ann Moxley about 1750. He leased land in Parcel 1.1 in 1767 and in Parcel 1.2 in 1773, the only person identified so far with leases in both the north and south parts of Ravensworth. … Continue reading →
Two mentors and supporters of this site died in February 2016 – Jack Hiller on February 3 and Charles CK Gailey on the 22nd. Jack was one of several local historians who provided encouragement, advice and critical review when the … Continue reading →