Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown

4.6

#72 of 259 in Historic Sites in Virginia

Historic Site · Tourist Spot

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Belle Grove Plantation is a late-18th-century plantation house and estate in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, USA. It is situated in Frederick County, about a mile southwest of Middletown.

Built between 1794 and 1797, the large Federal-style manor house is a National Historic Landmark and was opened to the public by its owners, the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP), as a historic house museum in 1967. In 2002, Belle Grove became part of the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, a National Park Service unit, although it continues to be owned and operated by the NTHP.

It is part of a U.S. National Historic Landmark, the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation. Belle Grove is also designated a Virginia Historic Landmark and, as part of 900-acre (3.6 km2) "Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove", is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historically important as the home of revolutionary veteran Major Isaac Hite, Jr – President James Madison’s brother-in-law – and as the headquarters of General Philip Sheridan during the Battle of Cedar Creek (1864), the manor house has been little altered over the centuries and remains one of the best preserved 18th century homes in the country. Affording grand vistas of the surrounding Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge and Alleghenies, the estate is situated on 283 acres of Maj. Hite’s original 483 acres. (The entire CCBGNHP, including the nearby battlefield, consists of 3,593 acres.)

By using our Middletown road trip site, you can arrange your visit to Belle Grove Plantation and other attractions in Middletown.
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Belle Grove Plantation reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

147 reviews

Google

4.7

By Robin B

This is an interesting plantation because of the history attached relating to the owner (James Madison’s sister, Nelly Madison Hite) and the Civil War Battle that took place around it. The visitor...

This is an interesting plantation because of the history attached relating to the owner (James Madison’s sister, Nelly Madison Hite) and the Civil War Battle that took place around it. The visitor... more »
By David J

Very interesting place to visit . This was a center point in the battle for the Shenandoah valley . The valley provided important provisions for the confederate army and other resources . The free...

Very interesting place to visit . This was a center point in the battle for the Shenandoah valley . The valley provided important provisions for the confederate army and other resources . The free... more »
By MEL12111

Wonderfully detailed tour of the life and time of the Hitte family and German settlement at the turn of the 18th Century. This antebellum home is beautifully preserved and due to its extraordinary...

Wonderfully detailed tour of the life and time of the Hitte family and German settlement at the turn of the 18th Century. This antebellum home is beautifully preserved and due to its extraordinary... more »

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By Zachary Hottel

Belle Grove is an amazing local history site. Their docents are welcoming, knowledgeable, attentive, and engaging. Expect to learn about the site, the families that lived there, and the deep history of the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. The property itself is well maintained and easily accessible. You will be overwhelmed by the historic integrity of the site. Definitely stop by Belle Grove and consider a visit to the gift shop as well.

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By Tilly Lo

This plantation is very well kept. I can smell the cows as I got closer to the mansion and there weren't that many cows. This property is very spacious with an amazing view. I love the countryside. I have my 2 little ones with me, and dogs are not allowed in the visitors center or the mansion. I'm okay with that since I came to walk the grounds. There is little shade except for under a tree or from a building.

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By Cheyenne Rose Harris

Mr. Yankee did a wonderful job on the tour today. Just so so beautiful. Could stay here all day and look at the inside. They did a wonderful job decorating for Christmas and everyone was just so nice and lovely. Will be coming back

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By Cameron Dillon

We had a wonderful tour here! The plantation is beautiful and this is a must visit if you are a fan of history. All of the staff here are very friendly and knowledgeable. I definitely will be visiting whenever I get a chance!

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By Melissa Cross

Attended a craft fest here. Beautiful grounds and gift shop. Food vending in barn at that time, by Schaeffer's, a local deli. Didn't take a look inside, I'm planning to return for it's Decorated for Christmas Home Tour. Can't wait!!

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