Location:
Hanover County
12432 Old Ridge Road
Doswell VA 23047
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 37° 50.918′ N
Longitude: 77° 31.535′ W
Historical Significance:
A restored 1840s log cabin, sitting on three acres of land which was originally part of the 1719 land grant to Richard Harris, a member of the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg. The original land building was gone by 1840 and this one built by 1844 according to tax records. Historically significant due to Major Stonewall Jackson stopping here for water in 1862, on his way to Richmond and Gordonsville. Listed in 2000 on National and Virginia Historical Landmarks. Also used in TV series “Turn" episode 4 and in "Ledgends and Lies,” for filming in period correct structure.
Historical Designations:
- National: National Register of Historic Places
- State: State Historical Commission
Historical Marker:
- Marker Date: 2000
- State of Marker Organization: Virginia
- Marker Organization: National Register of Historical Places
- Marker Text:
E III
CHURCH QUARTER
The two-room log house, a rare survivor of a
once-common house type, was built about 1843
probably by Sarah Thornton whose father-
in-law John Thornton acquired the property
in 1790. On 16 July 1862, Maj. Thomas J.
"Stonewall" Jackson and his staff stopped here
and requested some water. The woman who
lived here provided him a pitcher from which
to drink. On learning Jackson's identity, she
refused to let anyone else drink from it,
saying that she would give it to her children
as a memento of Jackson's visit. The
Scotchtown Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution purchased and restored
the cabin in 1969.
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORIC RESOURCES 2000
Funding:
Scotchtown Chapter, NSDAR, funds the repairs and restoration of this building through donations from members as well as outside persons and groups. Church Quarter has also been used occasionally for film crews seeking a period correct structure. While the chapter does not charge a fee, the film crews have given major donations upon completion of their work. An approved contract for such use is required before any use other than chapter meetings. Tours may be requested by appointment only.
Physical Condition:
- Preserve
Tourism:
- Open to Public: Yes
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Hours/Days: By Appointment Only
- Admission: None; Donations Appreciated
Promotional Materials Available:
- Brochures: Yes - Website: http://scotchtownchapterdar.weebly.com
Acknowledgement:
The DAR chapter maintains the property and periodically funds required preservation projects to preserve the cabin. Most recently sill and joist work, treated log ends, and replaced front porch areas. Roof will need to be replaced in next few years, requiring additional rafter and truss work to support new roof material weights.
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