Oatlands
Plantation
Leesburg, Virginia
#NC-06230-HM - Notecards
Also available in Assortment Pack #AST-780
#PR-06230-HM - Open Edition Print
Oatlands Plantation
stands as a wonderful example of the lifestyles of two distinct
centuries. Begun in 1803 by George Carter, great grandson of Robert
"King" Carter from Virginia's Tidewater area, the property
grew into a thriving commercial enterprise with mill, brick manufactory,
blacksmith shop, and a store.
The Civil
War years led to tremendous financial setbacks. Constant military
activity in the area forced the family to close the house and
take refuge to safer climes. Remarkably, the property was left
untouched during those years. After the war, George II and Kate
Carter became guardians of 70 emancipated slaves and their families.
Their home also became the sanctuary for Carter relatives left
homeless by the war.
Eventually,
beset by debts and dependents, the Carters operated Oatlands as
a summer retreat for affluent Washingtonians. Failing to produce
the income needed to sustain Oatlands, they were forced to sell
in 1897. The new owner, who never lived on the property, sold
it in 1903 to William and Edith Corcoran Eustis.
The new owners
were wealthy Washingtonians with an instinctive sense of preservation.
Their financial means enabled them to restore the neglected property
to its former splendor. Oatlands soon became a weekend retreat
where members of Washington society enjoyed fox hunts and elegant
garden parties.
Mr. Eustis
died in 1921. Mrs. Eustis stayed on at Oatlands until her death
in 1964. Their daughters, Mrs. David E. Finley and Mrs. Eustis
Emmet, presented the 261-acre estate, house, and furnishings to
the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1965. Oatlands
was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1972.
Prepared
with permission from Oatlands, Inc.
Text
© 1996 Dianne Harrah, Drawing © 1996 Bill Harrah
.
. . HISTORIC HOMES . . . (Click on an image to
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