Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre in Bristow: Everyday 19-century life
You won't find gleaming china, boldly patterned wallpaper, fine artwork or stately furniture inside the renovated buildings at the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre in Bristow.
In fact, you might be hard-pressed to find overt similarities between the five historic Brentsville buildings and such better-known historic landmarks as George Washington's Mount Vernon south of Alexandria, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello just outside Charlottesville or even the former Arlington residence of Robert E. Lee, Arlington House. The cabin, courthouse, jail, one-room school and church at the Brentsville Centre reflect the more modest lifestyles of those who called the area home in the early to mid-1850s.
"It's good to see historic sites that represent people outside of the upper echelon of society," said Jen Garrott, 22, of Burke, a history major at the College of William and Mary. "They are really making the buildings and grounds representative of the time period and demographic of the people."
It's easy to miss the center when you drive down Bristow Road. At first glance it blends into the rolling scenery. Yet thousands visit Brentsville -- which includes archeological destinations and a mile-long nature trail -- to enjoy the 28 acres of grounds, tour the buildings, and attend one of the dozens of tours and programs presented there annually....
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In fact, you might be hard-pressed to find overt similarities between the five historic Brentsville buildings and such better-known historic landmarks as George Washington's Mount Vernon south of Alexandria, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello just outside Charlottesville or even the former Arlington residence of Robert E. Lee, Arlington House. The cabin, courthouse, jail, one-room school and church at the Brentsville Centre reflect the more modest lifestyles of those who called the area home in the early to mid-1850s.
"It's good to see historic sites that represent people outside of the upper echelon of society," said Jen Garrott, 22, of Burke, a history major at the College of William and Mary. "They are really making the buildings and grounds representative of the time period and demographic of the people."
It's easy to miss the center when you drive down Bristow Road. At first glance it blends into the rolling scenery. Yet thousands visit Brentsville -- which includes archeological destinations and a mile-long nature trail -- to enjoy the 28 acres of grounds, tour the buildings, and attend one of the dozens of tours and programs presented there annually....