Episode 13 - Derwent Farm ~ Former Home of Robert E. Lee

To many, the period of the Civil War from 1861 to 1865 was among the most dangerous times for our nation.  The effects of this tragic period in our history are still felt today.  

Following the civil war, many worked to heal our nation and reunify our people.  Among those was Robert E. Lee, former General of the Northern Army of Virginia and official overseeing the surrender of the South.

As southern troops returned home, many faced uncertainty as their way of life was forever changed.  General Lee faced the same challenge.

After spending a few months in Richmond, Virginia, he sought peace and quiet away from the chaos of the city.  He was able invited to live in Powatan County at Derwent Farm.  

I invite you to listen to this episode about the story behind the story of Lee’s time at Derwent.  

Reference:

 Historical Marker Database (hmdb.com)

Lee Family Archive (leefamilyarchive.org)

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Safe Travels!

Transcript

Hello Friends,

I’m your host Dave Laton and welcome to Signs of Our Time, Discovering America’s heritage, one sign at a time.

 This podcast is designed to provide the story behind the story found on America’s roadside historical signs and markers.  

The America Civil War was a terrible time of testing of our nation.  It is one thing to be threatened from without.  That often serves to bring a nation together in an effort of preservation. But this threat was from within, and as one writer described it, it pitted brother against brother.    The effects of this four-year war are still seen and felt today.  

Even with the surrender of the southern army at the Appomattox Court House in 1865, there would be a long period of reconstruction and national healing.  It would take effort from both sides to bring about peace and reunification.  No one knew this more that the general of the Army of Northen Virginia, Robert E. Lee.  

Shortly following the surrender, many southern troops returned to their families and an uncertain future.  Many found homes and their way of life destroyed.  Robert E. Lee also faced an uncertain future.  Some called for his arrest and imprisonment, but our national leadership wisely knew that this would make reunification of our nation almost impossible.

Following the surrender, Lee returned to Richmond, Virginia with his family.  Like most of the south, the city was trying to rebuild itself, so the atmosphere was one of chaos.  Lee began looking for a place of quiet solitude where he could find peace and begin to help heal the nation.  He had no desire to leave Virginia, so he began looking in the area for a suitable place.

He wrote to a friend that he was looking for a quiet home in the woods to get away from the constant turmoil of the city.  A friend of the family, Mrs. Elizabeth Randolph Cocke invited General Lee and his family to live on her farm in Powhatan County.  The property was called Derwent. 

Lee and his family would live there through the summer of 1865.  Lee spent time in the quite solitude to heal his war-weary heart.  He also wrote letters to his former troops urging them to seek the healing of our nation.  

General Lee and his family eventually moved to Lexington, Virginia after he accepted the position as President of Washington College.  He would serve there until his death in 1870.  In keeping with his character, he is quoted as saying when he accepted the position, that he wanted to “train young men to do their duty.”  

Derwent was originally built in 1841.  It was a two-story frame house built upon a brick foundation.  As was customary for the period, the kitchen and farm manager’s rooms were separate buildings. Over the years the house and property fell into neglect until purchased in 1980. The original home was renovated, and two wings were added on the spot of the original kitchen and office.  

Today you can find the home on Virginia Route 629, also known as Miles Town Road.

I had the opportunity several years ago to visit this beautiful spot.  Our daughter and her family lived not far from Derwent.  We decided to take a tour of the property.

Derwent takes its name from the old Celtic word with two meanings. One is “clear water.”  The other is “A valley thick with oaks.”  The second meaning of the word is a perfect description for the property.

As we turned down a quite country road lined with beautiful oak trees and fields, I soon had the feeling of journeying back into history. I almost expect to come upon General Lee riding his trusted horse, Traveller.  

After about 2 miles, we came to Derwent Farm.  I don’t know what I expected, but I was not disappointed.  Unfortunately, the owners were not home so we did not get a chance to see the inside.  But the exterior was well laid out and bright in the afternoon Virginia sun.  Like General Lee, I felt a profound sense of peace as I viewed the property around the home.  It had a spectacular view of the fields and surrounding woods.  Again, I could imagine General Lee sitting on the porch in the quiet of the evening enjoying the sunset.  It truly would be tonic for his soul.  

If you are ever in the area, I encourage you to take time to visit this historic home.  I think you too will experience the calming peace of this beautiful home and countryside.

Well friends, there you have it.  A story behind the story from America’s historical signs and markers.  I hope you enjoyed this episode.  I invite you to subscribe and continue listening as we bring more episodes about the rich heritage of our great nation.

Please share this podcast with others.  If you have interesting stories about historical signs and markers, email me at: americanhistoricalmarkers@gmail.com.  Maybe your story behind the story will be featured.

I’m your host Dave Laton and thank you for listening, and safe travels!