Westover
Posted by: 
xptwo
N 37° 19.864 W 077° 11.445
18S E 305911 N 4133850
This marker tells the history of Westover, located about 2 miles away. The Colonial-era house and grounds are an example of the high level of architecture and building from that time.
Waymark Code: WMFF7Q
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 10/10/2012
Views: 10
This area was the site of an expedition from settlers from the Berkeley area in England. The large tract of land was reached in 1619.
The story can be seen in the marker text:
"In 1619 the first settlement was made at Westover, about 2 miles southeast. Two settlers died in the Powhatan uprising of 1622. Theodorick Bland bought Westover in 1666; William Byrd I acquired it in 1688. About 1730 his son, Colonel William Byrd II, built the present house, which exemplifies the high level of architectural quality attained during the colonial era. In Janaury 1781 the British army under General Charles Cornwallis crossed the James River at Westover in pursuit of the Marquis de Lafayette."
The following information about the plantation comes from the site listed below:
"Westover was built circa 1730 by William Byrd II, the founder of Richmond.
It is noteworthy for its secret passages, magnificent gardens, and architectural details. The grounds and garden are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, but the house is not open to the public.
Westover was named for Henry West, fourth Lord Delaware and son of Thomas West, Governor of Virginia. The shady tulip poplars framing the building are more than 150 years old. "Ancient" is the best word to describe the boxwood hedges which enclose the lawn.
The house is considered one of the most outstanding example of Georgian architecture in America. Of special notice is the unusually steepness of the roof, the tall chimneys in pairs at both ends. Another special touch is the elaborate doorway, which continues to be recognized as "the Westover doorway" despite its adaptation to many other buildings.
The special charm of the house lies in its elegant yet extremely simple form and proportions, combined with its perfect setting in the landscape, the essence of the artistic ideals of its period adapted to the style of living in Colonial Virginia."
Marker Number: V8
Marker Title: Westover
Marker Location: John Tyler Memorial Highway near the intersection with Kimages Road
County or Independent City: Charles City
Web Site: [Web Link]
Marker Program Sponsor: Department of Historic Resources
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