CASTLE HILL

THE estate of Castle Hill passed into the possession of Dr. Thomas Walker in 1741 when he married the widow of Nicholas Meriwether. It then comprised 15,000 acres and was a grant of George II. In 1750 he went on an exploring expedition to the West and entered Kentucky, preceding Daniel Boone by 24 years.

Dr. Walker built the house now standing after a former house had been destroyed by fire; another tradition says, by Indians, but this is unlikely.

It was at Castle Hill that Captain Jack Jouett, Jr., paused in his headlong ride, from the Cuckoo Tavern, Louisa County, to Monticello, to warn Governor Jefferson and the Virginia Assembly that Tarleton and his troopers were coming to capture them. Jouett stopped at Castle Hill only long enough to fling himself from his spent horse and mount a fresh one. Shortly afterwards Tarleton rode up with his troopers and demanded breakfast.

CASTLE HILL

The mint juleps provided by Dr. Walker and the excellent breakfast that Mrs. Walker had served up, delayed the British Colonel longer than he had intended. The result was that when he and his men reached Monticello, they found the place deserted.

Mrs. Rives was Judith Page Walker, daughter of Dr. Walker's son, Frances, from whom she inherited Castle Hill. She designed not only that portion of the house added in 1824, but the south lawn and grounds.

The great hedges of tree-box vary in age from one hundred to over two hundred years.

Jefferson, Madison and Dolly Madison were constant guests at Castle Hill. The Indian Chief Logan is said to have been there. Lafayette and other famous personages have stayed under its roof.

The Grounds are now open to Visitors from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M. daily, including Sunday

ADMISSION FIFTY CENTS EACH

Castle Hill,

Cobham,
Albemarle Co.,
Virginia.

16th of July-1888

Dear Mr. Stockton:-

You have every right to think me a 'Faithless
lassie-0-1— but I have not forgotten my promise to sketch you some
outlines on the book you left with me—

I have truly felt my inability to do so, more and more keenly
ever since my promise was made—

Dont you remember at the time that I told you how much I wished
to study a winter or two in Paris, before attempting anything of
the kind?—

My opportunity has at last come, and if you do not despair you
shall yet have your desired drawings—

I wish so much that we could see you and Mrs. Stockton again at
old Castle Hill— I followed Gay's career with much interest, and
recognized her in the last chapter in my little blue gown and hat.
You can't think how queer it seemed!—

Please let me hear from you through Mrs. Stockton occasionally,
and

Believe me ever—

Gay is a character in the Hundredth Man

Castle-Hill

27th November-1886

My dear Mr. Stockton:—

I have been ill in bed nearly ever since I last wrote
to you—

You do not know how like a breath of Spring in
Winter came your last kind letter into my sick-room, I am nearly well now
however, and want to beg that you and Mrs. Stockton will come again to see
us at our old home—

Do, please come—I want so much to have your advice,
and to see you both again—If I am not well on the day you may fix to come
I will telegraph you.

I am ever your most loyal

Amélie Rives

My Mother begs that you and Mrs. Stockton will come—

My father is still away—