Historic Sites
Belle Grove
Belle Grove is the centerpiece of the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. Situated on 283 of the original 483 acres, Belle Grove showcases the Shenandoah Valley’s breathtaking mountain view.
“The most splendid building west of the Blue Ridge.”
Historian Samuel Kercheval
Major Isaac Hite and his wife Nelly Madison Hite (sister of President James Madison) built Belle Grove in 1797. The grandson of Shenandoah Valley pioneer Jost Hite, Major Hite expanded his original 483 acres to a prosperous 7,500-acre plantation, growing wheat, raising cattle and Merino sheep, and operating a large distillery and several mills.
Visitors to Belle Grove’s plantation grounds can explore the Manor House. Once called "the most splendid building west of the Blue Ridge,” the Federal-era home was based on design principles of Thomas Jefferson and constructed of native limestone quarried on the property. The grounds also feature the 1815 icehouse and smokehouse, demonstration garden designed by the Garden Club of Virginia, slave cemetery, and a heritage apple orchard.
Belle Grove is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and operated by Belle Grove, Inc.
Belle Grove is also a member of the National Trust's Distinctive Destinations program.
photo by: Ron Blunt
The grounds at Belle Grove feature the 1815 icehouse and smokehouse, demonstration garden designed by the Garden Club of Virginia, slave cemetery, and a heritage apple orchard.
photo by: Ron Blunt
Once "the most splendid house west of the Blue Ridge," the Manor House still retains its original charm.
photo by: National Park Service/Buddy Secor
The Manor House is only one part of Belle Grove Plantation, which encompasses over 7,000 acres of land.
National Trust for Historic Preservation Member Discount
Fifty percent discount on regular public tours: one adult for individual Members; two adults and all children under 18 years of age in the immediate family for all other Members. Discount does not apply to other programs and cannot be combined with other offers.
To receive discount, valid membership card must be presented at time of visit. Please contact site directly to ensure that discount is available on date of planned visit and for specific tour desired.
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