Replica of James Monroe's Birthplace Completed in Virginia-- Part 1

From the October 4, 2021, Fredericksburg (Virginia) Free Lance-Star by Adele Uphaus.

After more than a decade of planning,  fundraising and building,  a replica of former President James Monroe's  birthplace farmhouse is finally complete and open to the public.

The James Monroe Memorial Foundation has overseen the reconstruction process ever since signing a 99-year lease on the land with Westmoreland County in 2005, held a grand opening ceremony this past Saturday, October 2.

For decades, the site near the town of Colonial Beach where the nation's fifth president was born and lived until his teens was nothing more than a dusty pull-off from State Route 205--  the James Monroe Highway.

James Monroe was the son of a middling plantation owner and carpenter Spence Monroe and  his wife Elizabeth was born in the family home  on April 28, 1758.

He lived there until the age of 16 when both of his parents died, and he enrolled at the College of William and Mary, where he studied law for two years until he joined in the American fight for independence against Great Britain.

--Brock-Perry

Alexander Cortee Hanson-- Part 5: Belmont Estate

From Wikipedia.

Belmont Estate is now Belmont Manor Historic Park and is located in Elkridge, Maryland.  From the late 17th century until 1962 the property was privately owned.

It has been associated with important people during this time, but I will concentrate on Alexander Contee Hanson since I have been writing about him.

The plantation house, built around 1738 is an example of Colonial Georgian architecture.  Property now contains around 68 acres.  The land eventually was passed on to Priscilla, the wife of Alexander Contee Hanson.

--Brock-Perry

George Armistead-- Part 2: Entered Army During Quasi-War with France

From Wikipedia.

April 10, 1780- April 25, 1818

American military officer.  Commander of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore.

Born at Newmarket Plantation in Caroline County, Virginia (now the town of Milford )  Newmarket Plantation apparently still stands and is in use.

His military career began during the Quasi War with France when he was commissioned an ensign in the 7th U.S. Infantry Regiment on January 14, 1799.  He became a second lieutenant on March 3, 1799 and 1st lieutenant May 14, 1800.

After the Quasi War, the Army was reduced in strength and Armistead was discharged June 15, 1800.

--Brock-Perry

Georgia's John Floyd, Georgia Politician-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

Back in December 2015, I wrote about War of 1812 veteran Henry Griggs being honored in Texas.  The name John Floyd came up a lot.

So, now I go into some more detail on him.

October 3, 1769- June 24, 1839.  American politician and brigadier general in the First Brigade of the Georgia Militia.  member of the Georgia and U.S. House of Representatives.  Born Hilton Head, South Carolina.

In 1800, he had two large plantations in Camden County, Georgia.  On May 25, 1808, he bought Little Cumberland Island.

On May 2, 1804, he was commissioned captain of the 31st Militia in Camden County, Ga., and became brigadier general of the First Georgia Militia in 1806.

--Brock-Perry

Duncan Lamont Clinch-- Part 4: In Politics and a Very Rich Man

From the Guide to Duncan Lamont Clinch Family Papers at the University of Florida Library.

After return from the Army, Duncan Clinch owned the Refuge Plantation on the Satilla River, Georgia, which he had inherited from his first wife's father, John Houstoun McIntosh.

In 1843, he was elected to replace Congressman John Millen who had died in office.  He was out of politics after one term until 1847 when he was nominated for Georgia governor and made an unsuccessful run.

He died November 27, 1849 in Macon, Georgia.  At his death, his estate was valued at two million dollars and included the Refuge Plantation with its 5,000 acres, a summer mansion in Clarksville, Georgia, 210 slaves and 21,000 acres in Florida.

--Brock-Perry