The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-06-06
THE NELSON HOMESTEAD.
4 VALUABLE ACQUISITION OF THE
4. 7. v. a.
~. Ir,,r.s,ipg History-Was Cernwallis
Headquarters In Good Re
pair.

That historic old homestead at York
town the Nelson place. which has been
a landmark in the annals or virginia
history for more than two centuries. mas
been purchased by the Association for
the Preservation OF Virginia Antiquities,
and the formal transfer will shortly
be made.
In the acquisition Of the Nelson place
the association has placed another
feather In its cap. Aside from the fact
that the property is a valuable home
stead, which has been coveted by many
would-be purchasers, it is perhaps the
most historic structure Of the kind In the
Old Dominion. Around II hovers any
number Of memories dear TO the heart Of
every true NirgInian. IL stands now a
substantial relic of by-gone days. when
American herolsm prevailed against the
dominating tyranny OF Great Britain. and
the place is indelibly linked with the
history Of the great civil strife, when
southern courage and self-sacrihce at
tracted the admiration Of the habitable
globe.
IT'S VARIED HISTORY
The old Nelson place. at Yorktown, has
n varied and significant history II is
the oldest homestead in good state OF
preservation within the State Of Virginia
Away back yonder IN Colonial days.
when Indian massacres and heroic rescues
were as common as cut-and-dried con-
ventions these days tho Nelson place
stood as conspicuous ediflce coveted By
many seventeenth century capitalist.
The property had been IN the Nelson
family ever since 1880 The lot was pur-
chased by Scotch Tom Nelson. who
immigrated from England a short time
before that year. and has been handed
down 10 the oldest son from generation
TO generation, until there was no male
helr TO the property when Miss Kate
Neison' from whom the association pur-
chased the place. became its owner.
Scotch Tom Nelson was the frat eni-
grant by that name. II is not known
whether he started 10 erect the house.
Certain II is that the lot was taken by
him when the settlement Of Yorktown
was laid out In 1880. His Oldest son. Pres
ident William Nelson. fell heir 10 the lot
and built the house as il now stands
William Nelson left the property 90 his
Oldest son. Thomas Nelson, Jr.. who was
Governor Of Virginia. and one of the
signers Of the Declaration Of 1ndepend-
ence The property was handed down
until II came into the hands OF Miss
Kate Nelson, to whom it was left by her
brother. William Nelson, about eighteen
years ago.
WAr 'oNNAl4iiS HtknRl AbIEk~s
The old Nelson house was General Corn
wallis headquarters during the Revolu-
tionary war. For this reason ii has been
the centre Of gravitation to tourists visit
ing Yorktown. and has been the subject
of many articles IN newspapers and pc
riodicals. During the late war IL was
utilized as a hospital for the soldiers. Tor
which reason IL became very dear 10
many southern widow and mother.
IN GOOD .RTP.In.
The house is situated on the bluns OF
Yorktown. commanding "A splendid view
Of the river and bay. II is an attractive.
three-story brick structure. with four
unusually large rooms, and a spacious
han on each floor. 1t is built in old-fash-
toned style. but has a home-like. COM
Portable appearance. that attracts at
first sight. There are two handsome wal
nut stairways. and the Interior arrange
ments make II well adapted for library
or museum. In case such disposition
should he made OF the house. There are
no verandas in front or on either side.
In the rear is n quaint-looking old porch,
with brick enclosure.
In front Is a small yard, and quite a
spacious yard in the rear Of the house.
These are enclosed with a brick wall
around which Is an attractive box hedge.
Stone steps lead up from the street 10 the.
front yard. and there are also stone
steps connecting the front yard with the
little porch in front. 4 number Of hand
some shade trees beautify the front and
back yards. Behind the building are 4
number Of out-houses. and a kitchen Of
brick
FORMAL TRANSFER.
will keen the rfqga In