Salona, human settlement in Virginia, United States of America
Salona is a large plantation estate in Virginia featuring a Federal-style main house built around 1811 to 1812 and numerous outbuildings. The property contains a main residence with simple architectural lines, surrounded by smaller structures used for farm operations and storage scattered across its grounds.
The house was constructed between 1811 and 1812 and was originally home to Reverend William Maffitt. In 1814, the property sheltered President James Madison when he fled Washington after British troops attacked the city during the War of 1812.
The name Salona refers to an ancient city, reflecting early American naming traditions. The layout shows how estates were organized, with the main house surrounded by smaller buildings that served different purposes in daily farm operations.
The property can be viewed from the public road, where the outbuildings and grounds are visible. Since the buildings remain privately owned, visitors should observe the site from outside and respect the privacy of the current residents.
During the Civil War in the winter of 1861 to 1862, the property was occupied and damaged by Vermont and later New York troops. The main house was carefully restored afterward and later received Italianate decorative features like ornamental brackets and an upper-story addition, which altered its original appearance.
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