Bassett Hall
Encyclopedia
Bassett Hall is an 18th-century farmhouse located in Williamsburg, Virginia
. It was the home of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
and his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller
during the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg
.
, between 1753 and 1766. It was named for Martha Washington
's nephew, Burwell Bassett
, who purchased the house in 1800.
During the Civil War, the Union cavalryman George Armstrong Custer
was a guest in the home for 10 days. Custer was in town to attend the wedding of a West Point classmate, a Confederate who had been wounded in the Battle of Williamsburg
.
approached philanthropist John D. Rockfeller, Jr. with the idea of preserving and restoring the historic buildings of Williamsburg. After strolling through the great trees behind Bassett Hall in contemplation, Rockefeller agreed. Goodwin later suggested:
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is an independent city located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia, USA. As of the 2010 Census, the city had an estimated population of 14,068. It is bordered by James City County and York County, and is an independent city...
. It was the home of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
John Davison Rockefeller, Jr. was a major philanthropist and a pivotal member of the prominent Rockefeller family. He was the sole son among the five children of businessman and Standard Oil industrialist John D. Rockefeller and the father of the five famous Rockefeller brothers...
and his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, , was a prominent socialite and philanthropist and the second-generation matriarch of the renowned Rockefeller family...
during the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the private foundation representing the historic district of the city of Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. The district includes buildings dating from 1699 to 1780 which made colonial Virginia's capital. The capital straddled the boundary of the original shires of Virginia —...
.
Early history
The house was built by Philip Johnson, a member of the Virginia House of BurgessesHouse of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses was the first assembly of elected representatives of English colonists in North America. The House was established by the Virginia Company, who created the body as part of an effort to encourage English craftsmen to settle in North America...
, between 1753 and 1766. It was named for Martha Washington
Martha Washington
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was the wife of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Although the title was not coined until after her death, Martha Washington is considered to be the first First Lady of the United States...
's nephew, Burwell Bassett
Burwell Bassett
Burwell Bassett, Jr. was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1787 to 1789, and the Virginia Senate from 1794 to 1805.-Biography:...
, who purchased the house in 1800.
During the Civil War, the Union cavalryman George Armstrong Custer
George Armstrong Custer
George Armstrong Custer was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. Raised in Michigan and Ohio, Custer was admitted to West Point in 1858, where he graduated last in his class...
was a guest in the home for 10 days. Custer was in town to attend the wedding of a West Point classmate, a Confederate who had been wounded in the Battle of Williamsburg
Battle of Williamsburg
The Battle of Williamsburg, also known as the Battle of Fort Magruder, took place on May 5, 1862, in York County, James City County, and Williamsburg, Virginia, as part of the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War...
.
Rockefeller Home
In 1926, Rev. Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin of Bruton Parish ChurchBruton Parish Church
Bruton Parish Church is located in the restored area of Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. It was established in 1674 in the Virginia Colony, and remains an active Episcopal parish.-History of Bruton Parish Church:...
approached philanthropist John D. Rockfeller, Jr. with the idea of preserving and restoring the historic buildings of Williamsburg. After strolling through the great trees behind Bassett Hall in contemplation, Rockefeller agreed. Goodwin later suggested:
"I wish you would buy Bassett Hall for yourself. It would give you a charming vantage point from which to play with the vision and dream which you see."Bassett Hall became the Rockefellers' residence during their twice-annual visits to Williamsburg.