Claymont Court
Encyclopedia
Claymont Court or simply Claymont is a Georgian style brick mansion, the grandest of several built near Charles Town, West Virginia
for members of the Washington
family. The current house was built in 1840 by Bushrod Corbin Washington, grand-nephew of George Washington
, to replace a house that was originally built in 1820, but burned in 1838. The house was purchased in 1899 by author Frank Stockton, who lived there until his death in 1902. In 1943, Claymont was bought by industrialist R.J. Funkhouser, who at the same time bought nearby Blakeley
, another Washington house. In 1974 it was purchased by John G. Bennett
for the purpose of an intentional community. It is currently used as a retreat center by the Claymont Society for Continuous Education.
, the brother of George Washington. George Washington had established the Bullskin Plantation, the first property he ever owned, a few miles southwest of the Claymont property. In 1811, George Washington's grand-nephew Bushrod Corbin Washington inherited this land at the age of 21. Bushrod built a thirty-four room mansion here using ninety slaves. Bushrod's brother, John Augustine Washington III, subsequently built the Blakeley mansion
600 yards away facing Claymont. The two brothers married daughters from the Blackburn family and started their own families directly across from each other in the Blackeley and Claymont mansions.
Bushrod finished building Claymont in 1820 for $30,000; a massive sum at the time that became known as "Bushrod's folly." After completion, it was the largest house in the area. With later additions to the home, it would become the largest house in West Virginia at 16000 square feet (1,486.4 m²) with 59 rooms and 25 fireplaces. Claymont may also be the northern most example of the Virginia Plantation Style mansion with wings, courtyards, and dependencies. Claymont burned down
in 1838 during Bushrod's first week working in Richmond
as an assemblyman in the Virginia House of Delegates
. The central part of the mansion was completely rebuilt and the remainder restored. It is thought the fire started in the fireplace of the mansion's basement kitchen. Bushrod died in 1851 leaving Claymont to his son Thomas Blackburn Washington. Thomas died in 1854 leaving the estate to his eldest son Bushrod Corbin II.
The Civil War
was devastating to the Washington family, many of whom had taken refuge at Claymont. During the war, two of the young men of the house, including Thomas Blackburn Washington's youngest son James Washington, were officers in the Confederate Army
under John Singleton Mosby. Both of the boys were captured in Claymont Court during Christmas
furlough
(holiday leave) by Union Army
troops led by George Custer, who had been a roommate of one of the boys at West Point military academy. The Washington boys were taken to a Union prison camp where they both died. As punishment to Claymont estate for "harboring guerillas", General Sheridan ordered all of the cattle
driven off the land (except for one milch cow) and every fence surrounding the estate's Clay Mound farm burned down.
After the Civil War, the reconstructionist government demanded payment of back taxes
for all of the years that the Washington family had paid taxes to the Confederacy
rather than the Union
. The Washington family could not pay, and by 1871 the family was forced to sell Claymont estate for the modest sum of $10,000 (a third of what it cost to build). Most of the family then moved to Washington State.
After the Washingtons vacated Claymont, the property changed hands a number of times. The mansion and larger estate was actually uninhabited for a few years at a time and subsequently the property began to deteriorate and the farming operations halted. Claymont operated as a self sustaining farm, differing from plantations further in the American South. Claymont produced almost everything the inhabitants used. The property was farmed and maintained by nearly a hundred slaves as well as a couple dozen
free workers. Because of Claymont's size, it was an expensive operation to keep up and later owners of the property would not have the resources or dedication to keep the estate operational.
, a US government list of buildings and structures deemed worthy of preservation.
Today, Claymont operates as a retreat center run by the non-profit The Claymont Society for Continuous Education, which focuses on the philosophical teachings of John G. Bennett
. While Mr. Bennett was alive, Claymont operated as a school focused on his specific teachings which dealt with self-reflection, spirituality
, mysticism
and oneness with nature. After Bennett's death, the school was discontinued and Claymont opened its doors as a retreat center for many different groups including Wiccans
, Christians
, yoga
instruction, meditation
, martial arts
, and traditional dance. It maintains a strong focus on organic farming
, buying local
, and sustainability
. Claymont even hosts WWOOF
ers to work on the grounds and help with local agriculture in exchange for free food and lodging. The mansion proper acts as a retreat center having been retrofitted with showers, hot water, electricity, natural gas, and even wifi
. A nearby 450 feet (137.2 m) cattle barn has been converted into a conference center. Besides the mansion proper, much of the estate grounds are currently maintained such as the front and rear mansion lawns. The old gardens, which were damaged in a storm, have proven too difficult to maintain and are currently unusable.
The Claymont Society for Continuous Education, in addition to hosting various retreat groups, also advocates heavily for Claymont Court's continuing physical restoration. Claymont has received grant money for restoration through the 1772 Foundation, Save America's Treasures
, Jefferson County Commission
, and individual donations. The Claymont Society works in tandem with the National Park Trust to lobby for continuing preservation grants.
Among recent restorations, the mansion has a completely rebuilt second floor veranda, new support beams for the main ballroom, and new window seals and gutter systems. The mansion can still be considered under restoration though it is fully operational with all utilities.
Image:Claymont from Rear Lawn.jpg|A wedding rehearsal on the rear terrace of the mansion
Image:Claymont Foyer.jpg|Foyer. The pine flooring of the house is of high tar content and thought to be termite resistant.
Image:Claymont Dining Room.jpg|A view of the main dining room
Image:Claymont Dependencies.jpg|The sun room of a newly restored dependency of the mansion
Image:Claymont Bedrooms.jpg|A dependency of the mansion converted into a dormitory for retreat guests
Image:Claymont Butterfly.jpg|Butterfly on the estate grounds
Image:Claymont Help Stairs.jpg|A secret, small staircase winds along from the kitchen to an upstairs parlor. It was used by the Claymont staff.
Image:Claymont Haunted 2.jpg|The third floor of the main mansion is purportedly haunted.
Image:Claymont Haunted.jpg|A haunted bedroom on the third floor of the mansion
Image:Claymont_Library.jpg|Library
Image:Claymont_Parlor.jpg|Parlor
Image:Claymont_Retrofit.jpg|A dependency of the mansion with newly restored brick, support beams, and retrofitted with electricity
Image:Claymont_Kitchen.jpg|The mansion has a fully operational industrial grade kitchen located in the basement. The original kitchen, thought to have started the 1938 fire, is now used as a pantry and washroom.
Image:Claymont_Mansion_w_Dependency.jpg|The mansion shown with dependency off to the left
Charles Town, West Virginia
Charles Town is a city in and the county seat of Jefferson County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 2,907 at the 2000 census. Due to its similar name, travelers have sometimes confused this city with the state's capital, Charleston.-History:...
for members of the Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
family. The current house was built in 1840 by Bushrod Corbin Washington, grand-nephew of George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
, to replace a house that was originally built in 1820, but burned in 1838. The house was purchased in 1899 by author Frank Stockton, who lived there until his death in 1902. In 1943, Claymont was bought by industrialist R.J. Funkhouser, who at the same time bought nearby Blakeley
Blakeley (West Virginia)
Blakeley, near Charles Town, West Virginia is also known as the Washington - Chew - Funkhouser House, and was built in 1820 by John Augustine Washington II, great-nephew of George Washington and son of John Augustine Washington. It is a contemporary of its neighbor, Claymont Court, built across...
, another Washington house. In 1974 it was purchased by John G. Bennett
John G. Bennett
John Godolphin Bennett, was a British mathematician, scientist, technologist, industrial research director, and author. He is perhaps best known for his many books on psychology and spirituality, and particularly the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff...
for the purpose of an intentional community. It is currently used as a retreat center by the Claymont Society for Continuous Education.
Washington Family Era
In the 1700s, the 300 acres (1.2 km²) plot of land on which Claymont stands was owned by John Augustine WashingtonJohn Augustine Washington
John Augustine Washington was a member of the fifth Virginia Convention and a founding member of the Mississippi Land Company. During the American Revolution he was a member of Westmoreland County's...
, the brother of George Washington. George Washington had established the Bullskin Plantation, the first property he ever owned, a few miles southwest of the Claymont property. In 1811, George Washington's grand-nephew Bushrod Corbin Washington inherited this land at the age of 21. Bushrod built a thirty-four room mansion here using ninety slaves. Bushrod's brother, John Augustine Washington III, subsequently built the Blakeley mansion
Blakeley (West Virginia)
Blakeley, near Charles Town, West Virginia is also known as the Washington - Chew - Funkhouser House, and was built in 1820 by John Augustine Washington II, great-nephew of George Washington and son of John Augustine Washington. It is a contemporary of its neighbor, Claymont Court, built across...
600 yards away facing Claymont. The two brothers married daughters from the Blackburn family and started their own families directly across from each other in the Blackeley and Claymont mansions.
Bushrod finished building Claymont in 1820 for $30,000; a massive sum at the time that became known as "Bushrod's folly." After completion, it was the largest house in the area. With later additions to the home, it would become the largest house in West Virginia at 16000 square feet (1,486.4 m²) with 59 rooms and 25 fireplaces. Claymont may also be the northern most example of the Virginia Plantation Style mansion with wings, courtyards, and dependencies. Claymont burned down
Structure fire
A structure fire is a fire involving the structural components of various residential buildings ranging from single-family detached homes and townhouses to apartments and tower blocks, or various commercial buildings ranging from offices to shopping malls...
in 1838 during Bushrod's first week working in Richmond
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. It is an independent city and not part of any county. Richmond is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Greater Richmond area...
as an assemblyman in the Virginia House of Delegates
Virginia House of Delegates
The Virginia House of Delegates is the lower house of the Virginia General Assembly. It has 100 members elected for terms of two years; unlike most states, these elections take place during odd-numbered years. The House is presided over by the Speaker of the House, who is elected from among the...
. The central part of the mansion was completely rebuilt and the remainder restored. It is thought the fire started in the fireplace of the mansion's basement kitchen. Bushrod died in 1851 leaving Claymont to his son Thomas Blackburn Washington. Thomas died in 1854 leaving the estate to his eldest son Bushrod Corbin II.
The Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
was devastating to the Washington family, many of whom had taken refuge at Claymont. During the war, two of the young men of the house, including Thomas Blackburn Washington's youngest son James Washington, were officers in the Confederate Army
Confederate States Army
The Confederate States Army was the army of the Confederate States of America while the Confederacy existed during the American Civil War. On February 8, 1861, delegates from the seven Deep South states which had already declared their secession from the United States of America adopted the...
under John Singleton Mosby. Both of the boys were captured in Claymont Court during Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
furlough
Furlough
In the United States a furlough is a temporary unpaid leave of some employees due to special needs of a company, which may be due to economic conditions at the specific employer or in the economy as a whole...
(holiday leave) by Union Army
Union Army
The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
troops led by George Custer, who had been a roommate of one of the boys at West Point military academy. The Washington boys were taken to a Union prison camp where they both died. As punishment to Claymont estate for "harboring guerillas", General Sheridan ordered all of the cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
driven off the land (except for one milch cow) and every fence surrounding the estate's Clay Mound farm burned down.
After the Civil War, the reconstructionist government demanded payment of back taxes
Back taxes
Back taxes is a term for taxes that were not paid when due. They are typically taxes that are owed from a prior year....
for all of the years that the Washington family had paid taxes to the Confederacy
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
rather than the Union
Union (American Civil War)
During the American Civil War, the Union was a name used to refer to the federal government of the United States, which was supported by the twenty free states and five border slave states. It was opposed by 11 southern slave states that had declared a secession to join together to form the...
. The Washington family could not pay, and by 1871 the family was forced to sell Claymont estate for the modest sum of $10,000 (a third of what it cost to build). Most of the family then moved to Washington State.
After the Washingtons vacated Claymont, the property changed hands a number of times. The mansion and larger estate was actually uninhabited for a few years at a time and subsequently the property began to deteriorate and the farming operations halted. Claymont operated as a self sustaining farm, differing from plantations further in the American South. Claymont produced almost everything the inhabitants used. The property was farmed and maintained by nearly a hundred slaves as well as a couple dozen
Dozen
A dozen is a grouping of approximately twelve. The dozen may be one of the earliest primitive groupings, perhaps because there are approximately a dozen cycles of the moon or months in a cycle of the sun or year...
free workers. Because of Claymont's size, it was an expensive operation to keep up and later owners of the property would not have the resources or dedication to keep the estate operational.
Owners after the Washington Family
After the Washingtons vacated, there were a number of successive owners of Claymont:- 1871-1886: Clement March
- 1886-1889: Charles Dawson
-
- Dawson hired William A. Bates, an architect from New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
to redesign the mansion enlarging it significantly. Both the ballroom wing and the dining room wings were enlarged to their current size of 32x36 feet. A second story was added to both wings, which included bedrooms and bathrooms.- 1889-1906: Frank R. StocktonFrank R. StocktonFrank Richard Stockton was an American writer and humorist, best known today for a series of innovative children's fairy tales that were widely popular during the last decades of the 19th century...
- 1889-1906: Frank R. Stockton
- Stockton was a popular author at the time and wrote three books while residing at Claymont. He is best known for his short story The Lady, or the Tiger?
- 1906-1943: Col. S.J. Murphy
- Murphy rebuilt and refined Claymont's old gardens with the help of Conklyn Brothers Landscape Architects and Hydraulic Engineers of Charles TownCharles Town, West VirginiaCharles Town is a city in and the county seat of Jefferson County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 2,907 at the 2000 census. Due to its similar name, travelers have sometimes confused this city with the state's capital, Charleston.-History:...
. The gardens gained a 235 feet (71.6 m) pergolaPergolaA pergola, arbor or arbour is a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice, often upon which woody vines are trained...
and large fountain.- 1943-1974: R.J. Funkhouser
- Funkhouser was a West Virginia industrialist who was interested in purchasing and restoring the old Washington homes of Jefferson CountyJefferson County, West VirginiaJefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of 2010, the population was 53,498. Its county seat is Charles Town...
. He bought Cedar Lawn, BlakeleyBlakeley (West Virginia)Blakeley, near Charles Town, West Virginia is also known as the Washington - Chew - Funkhouser House, and was built in 1820 by John Augustine Washington II, great-nephew of George Washington and son of John Augustine Washington. It is a contemporary of its neighbor, Claymont Court, built across...
, and Claymont and combined them into one 7000 acres (28.3 km²) property (the estates are all contiguous). Claymont became the private residence of Mr. Funkhouser. The grounds and gardens were meticulously tended during this period.- 1974–present: The Claymont Society for Continuous Education
- Led by John G. BennettJohn G. BennettJohn Godolphin Bennett, was a British mathematician, scientist, technologist, industrial research director, and author. He is perhaps best known for his many books on psychology and spirituality, and particularly the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff...
, an English philosopher and scientist, Claymont was purchased by Bennett's non profitNon-profit organizationNonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
. Today, The Claymont Society for Continuous Education continues as a non-profit focused on lifelong learning and principles of sustainabilitySustainabilitySustainability is the capacity to endure. For humans, sustainability is the long-term maintenance of well being, which has environmental, economic, and social dimensions, and encompasses the concept of union, an interdependent relationship and mutual responsible position with all living and non...
.
- Dawson hired William A. Bates, an architect from New York
Current Use
Of the eight remaining Washington family homes in Jefferson County, Claymont is considered the grandest. At 16000 square feet (1,486.4 m²), it is also the largest. In 1973, Claymont was added to the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
, a US government list of buildings and structures deemed worthy of preservation.
Today, Claymont operates as a retreat center run by the non-profit The Claymont Society for Continuous Education, which focuses on the philosophical teachings of John G. Bennett
John G. Bennett
John Godolphin Bennett, was a British mathematician, scientist, technologist, industrial research director, and author. He is perhaps best known for his many books on psychology and spirituality, and particularly the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff...
. While Mr. Bennett was alive, Claymont operated as a school focused on his specific teachings which dealt with self-reflection, spirituality
Spirituality
Spirituality can refer to an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality; an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.” Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop...
, mysticism
Mysticism
Mysticism is the knowledge of, and especially the personal experience of, states of consciousness, i.e. levels of being, beyond normal human perception, including experience and even communion with a supreme being.-Classical origins:...
and oneness with nature. After Bennett's death, the school was discontinued and Claymont opened its doors as a retreat center for many different groups including Wiccans
Wicca
Wicca , is a modern Pagan religious movement. Developing in England in the first half of the 20th century, Wicca was popularised in the 1950s and early 1960s by a Wiccan High Priest named Gerald Gardner, who at the time called it the "witch cult" and "witchcraft," and its adherents "the Wica."...
, Christians
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
, yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
instruction, meditation
Meditation
Meditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
, martial arts
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
, and traditional dance. It maintains a strong focus on organic farming
Organic farming
Organic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost and biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and control pests on a farm...
, buying local
Local food
Local food or the local food movement is a "collaborative effort to build more locally based, self-reliant food economies - one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption is integrated to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of a particular...
, and sustainability
Sustainability
Sustainability is the capacity to endure. For humans, sustainability is the long-term maintenance of well being, which has environmental, economic, and social dimensions, and encompasses the concept of union, an interdependent relationship and mutual responsible position with all living and non...
. Claymont even hosts WWOOF
WWOOF
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms , also known as "Willing Workers On Organic Farms", is a loose network of national organisations that facilitate placement of volunteers on organic farms. While there are WWOOF hosts in 99 countries around the world, no central list or organisation...
ers to work on the grounds and help with local agriculture in exchange for free food and lodging. The mansion proper acts as a retreat center having been retrofitted with showers, hot water, electricity, natural gas, and even wifi
WIFI
WIFI is a radio station broadcasting a brokered format. Licensed to Florence, New Jersey, USA, the station is currently operated by Florence Broadcasting Partners, LLC.This station was previously owned by Real Life Broadcasting...
. A nearby 450 feet (137.2 m) cattle barn has been converted into a conference center. Besides the mansion proper, much of the estate grounds are currently maintained such as the front and rear mansion lawns. The old gardens, which were damaged in a storm, have proven too difficult to maintain and are currently unusable.
The Claymont Society for Continuous Education, in addition to hosting various retreat groups, also advocates heavily for Claymont Court's continuing physical restoration. Claymont has received grant money for restoration through the 1772 Foundation, Save America's Treasures
Save America's Treasures
Save America's Treasures is a United States Federal initiative to preserve and protect American historic buildings, arts, and published works. It is a public-private partnership between the U.S. National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation...
, Jefferson County Commission
Jefferson County, West Virginia
Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of 2010, the population was 53,498. Its county seat is Charles Town...
, and individual donations. The Claymont Society works in tandem with the National Park Trust to lobby for continuing preservation grants.
Among recent restorations, the mansion has a completely rebuilt second floor veranda, new support beams for the main ballroom, and new window seals and gutter systems. The mansion can still be considered under restoration though it is fully operational with all utilities.
Gallery
Image:Claymont from Rear Lawn.jpg|A wedding rehearsal on the rear terrace of the mansion
Image:Claymont Foyer.jpg|Foyer. The pine flooring of the house is of high tar content and thought to be termite resistant.
Image:Claymont Dining Room.jpg|A view of the main dining room
Image:Claymont Dependencies.jpg|The sun room of a newly restored dependency of the mansion
Image:Claymont Bedrooms.jpg|A dependency of the mansion converted into a dormitory for retreat guests
Image:Claymont Butterfly.jpg|Butterfly on the estate grounds
Image:Claymont Help Stairs.jpg|A secret, small staircase winds along from the kitchen to an upstairs parlor. It was used by the Claymont staff.
Image:Claymont Haunted 2.jpg|The third floor of the main mansion is purportedly haunted.
Image:Claymont Haunted.jpg|A haunted bedroom on the third floor of the mansion
Image:Claymont_Library.jpg|Library
Image:Claymont_Parlor.jpg|Parlor
Image:Claymont_Retrofit.jpg|A dependency of the mansion with newly restored brick, support beams, and retrofitted with electricity
Image:Claymont_Kitchen.jpg|The mansion has a fully operational industrial grade kitchen located in the basement. The original kitchen, thought to have started the 1938 fire, is now used as a pantry and washroom.
Image:Claymont_Mansion_w_Dependency.jpg|The mansion shown with dependency off to the left
External links
- Claymont, Summit Point Road, Charles Town vicinity, Jefferson County, WV: 4 photos, 1 data page, at Historic American Building Survey
- claymont.org