East Street Historic District
Written By: Theresa Meeker Pickett
Discover the East Street Historic District in Culpeper, VA, where nearly two centuries of history, charm, and architectural beauty come to life. Recognized and listed on the National Historic Registry as a historic neighborhood, this captivating area boasts around 40 historic homes dating back to 1831 in one of the oldest existing residential areas in Culpeper. Stroll through a timeless collection of Greek Revival, Colonial, and Victorian-style residences, each telling a unique story of the town’s rich past and enduring resilience.
The Hill Mansion: A Symbol of Survival and Service
A visit to the East Street Historic District wouldn’t be complete without strolling by the Hill Mansion, a striking Italianate-style home from the 1850s. Its arcaded veranda, cast-iron and wood porches, and grand curving staircase exemplify the elegance of the antebellum South.
However, this home became more than a residence during the Civil War—it transformed into a lifeline. The Hill Mansion served as a Confederate hospital, its walls bearing witness to the struggles of soldiers and the compassion of caregivers. Among its most notable patients was Rooney Lee, the wounded son of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Imagine the mansion’s halls filled with the sounds of hope and despair, as nurses worked tirelessly to save the lives of men caught in the throes of war.
Today, the Hill Mansion stands as a reminder of both the architectural brilliance and the human stories that shaped Culpeper during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.
Wysteria: A Victorian Treasure
Wysteria, an 1885 Victorian home, is celebrated for its ornamental trim, iron cresting, and the vibrant wisteria vines that drape its façade. Featured on HGTV’s If Walls Could Talk and in Victorian Homes Magazine, it is an exquisite example of 19th-century craftsmanship and charm.
Sources:
https://dhr.aisn-demo.com/historic-registers/204-0064
https://dhr.aisn-demo.com/historic-registers/204-0002
https://www.blueridgewebworks.com/tourofhomes/tourthehomes4.html
Culpeper: A Virginia County’s History Through 1920 by Eugene M. Scheel