Whitethorn, Greek Revival residence in Blacksburg, United States
Whitethorn is a two-story brick residence with an L-shaped floor plan and a hipped roof, featuring a covered porch supported by Tuscan columns. The structure sits on open grounds with mature trees and open space, combining architectural elements from two distinct 19th-century styles.
The house was constructed in 1855 by James Francis Preston, a military officer who received the land from his father. Preston's property ties the home to the broader regional history of the mid-19th century and the lives of influential landowners during that period.
The house blends two architectural styles that were fashionable among Virginia's wealthy in the 1800s, showing how owners expressed their social position through design choices. The columns supporting the porch and the brick construction signaled good taste and status among local landowners of that era.
The property is accessible on foot from nearby areas, and the brick structure is visible from the surrounding grounds. The location is now part of a developed neighborhood, so checking directions in advance helps with finding the best approach to the site.
The original owner experienced serious injuries during a major regional conflict, giving the property a personal connection to dramatic historical events beyond its walls. This detail links the residence to wider military developments that shaped Virginia during the period.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.