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Fairfield Plantation (Gloucester County, Virginia)

Introduction

Fairfield Plantation (also known as Carter’s Creek) was a 17th-century manor built for Lewis Burwell II, a prominent and influential member of the Virginia gentry, in Gloucester County, Virginia. It was constructed in 1694 and lasted throughout the 18th and most of the 19th century until 1897, when it was destroyed by fire. The plantation has long been recognized for the handful of surviving photographs of the manor house prior to its destruction that reveal its distinctive character. The unusual triple diagonally-set chimney stacks, symmetrical design, substantial proportions, and early construction date place it within a transitional period of Virginia’s architectural development, combining elements of the contemporary Jacobean style with emerging Georgian ideas. Since 2000, Fairfield Plantation has been undergoing extensive archaeological exploration by the archaeologists of the Fairfield Foundation [hyperlink to website].

Prehistoric Habitation

Recent archaeological excavations have shown that Virginia Indians occupied the property now known as Fairfield Plantation beginning in approximately 3000 BC, a type known as the Late Archaic period (Heinsman 124). Fairfield’s location near fresh water as well as its variety of game and plant life made it a practical location to settle. However, based on shovel test surveys, Fairfield was likely the site of only “a small and sporadic occupation” (126). Most contemporary large native settlements (i.e. the Powhatan capital Werowocomoco) existed in close proximity to significant waterways. While Fairfield Plantation is located near freshwater springs, it is not situated along a major river, a factor which could have significantly curtailed its growth. Despite the site’s limited usage, excavations indicate that Fairfield was inhabited by Virginia Indians until possibly the Late Woodland period, or the early 16th century (127).

Fairfield Plantation

Architecture

The T-shaped, two-and-a-half story manor was built of brick and faced approximately 45 degrees east of true north as a part of a larger landscape design that incorporated the surrounding topography, Carter Creek, and the prevailing winds. From north to south, the house was 60 feet long and 80 feet wide. Both the eastern and western façades of the house possessed a set of distinctive “triple diagonally-set chimney stacks” (Harpole and Brown2 138-9). The north façade – the main entrance – was punctuated by five dormer windows with the massive chimneys at either end. The manor was raised above a high English basement, elevating the ground floor substantially above the landscape. The design of Fairfield Plantation was heavily influenced by mid-seventeenth-century English architectural design. Fairfield’s Jacobean elements, such as the diagonally set chimneys, were likely inspired by Lewis Burwell II’s contemporaries and their homes, including Arthur Allen II (Bacon’s Castle), Philip Ludwell (Rich Neck Plantation and Greensprings), and Governor William Berkeley (Greensprings). However, Fairfield is important because it also incorporates elements of Georgian architecture, an architectural style just emerging at that time. Indeed, features along the north façade are distinctively Georgian, including the symmetry and the spacing (rhythm) of the windows and doorways, as well as the classical modillioned cornice.

1648-1720

Fairfield Plantation was first established in 1648 by Lewis Burwell I, a well-connected immigrant with aspirations towards membership within the Virginia gentry. At the time, the plantation encompassed 2350 acres of land. However, the large brick manor was not built until approximately 1694. The earlier house(s) has not yet been located archaeologically. By this time the Burwells had become one of the most influential families in Virginia due to the inheritance of the estate of Nathaniel Bacon the elder in 1692, which increased their wealth twofold (Harpole and Brown 121). The Burwell family lived at Fairfield and used their manor to host many eminent members of the Virginia gentry, including Robert “King” Carter (Fairfield Highway Marker).

1720-1787

Immediately prior to this period the addition was constructed on the house, likely for Nathaniel Burwell, son of Lewis Burwell II. The southern wing was 32 feet long, lengthening the T-shape of the house. Archaeological and historical evidence dates the addition to the early 1700’s; however, the builders remained fairly consistent with the original style of the manor. For instance, the roofline and cornice details were continued, and a second set of paired diagonally-set chimney stacks was added to the new south end of the structure. However, the addition was not entirely consistent with Fairfield’s original design, as shown by window placements that were asymmetrical with the opposite side of the addition. There are no documents that explain the reason this addition was constructed, but possible explanations include changes in the landscape plan, accommodating for a growing family, or possibly competition with other plantation owners (Harpole and Brown2 144).

1787-1853

Fairfield Plantation was sold to Robert Thruston in 1787 due to economic hardships suffered by the Burwell family. Not only had their manor become unfashionable, but the surrounding farmland was likely less fertile due to decades of tobacco monoculture. After purchasing Fairfield, Thruston made many renovations and changes to the house. Among other things, several windows were fixed, dormers were enlarged, and porches were added or modified. The interior was also renovated. The Thrustons continued to reside at Fairfield Plantation until John Thruston, son of Robert, died in 1828, and they may have continued living there through the 1830s. Shortly before 1840, the west wing was removed, though it is unclear why. The Thrustons made repairs to this portion of the house, but may no longer have lived there. In 1847, Fairfield Plantation and its surrounding property were sold by the Thruston family to William A. Leavitt (Harpole and Brown2 145).

1853-1897

The Leavitt family and later owners leased Fairfield to tenants until it burned in 1897. During the last half-century of its existence, the property suffered from a great deal of neglect. Although the house was inhabited at the time, few efforts were made to make repairs, as demonstrated by photographs showing deteriorating woodwork as well as extensive water damage. The fire at Fairfield probably began at a cast-iron stove that was being used by an occupant on the first floor (Harpole and Brown2 146).

Research and Excavation

Fairfield Plantation underwent two minor excavations during the 20th century. Architectural historian Thomas Waterman (Colonial Williamsburg Foundation) and historian/archaeologist Dr. James Blair (The Richard Bland College of the College of William and Mary) conducted minor excavations, the former focusing on the outline of the manor house, and the latter searching for the earlier plantation buildings (Harpole and Brown2 146). The plantation was added to the National Register of Historic Places as well as the Virginia Historic Landmarks Register in 1973 and is registered as site 44GL24 (Virginia Department of Historic Resources). Fairfield Plantation is currently undergoing extensive archaeological excavations by the Fairfield Foundation.

External links

• www.example.com