Woodburn, human settlement in Virginia, United States of America
Woodburn is a plantation in Charles City, Virginia, built around 1815 in the Palladian style. The white main house has three sections with two single-story wings on the sides, complemented by outbuildings including an office built in 1830 and a smokehouse.
John Tyler, who later became the tenth president of the United States, built the house after purchasing the land in 1813. He lived there until 1821 while serving in Congress, before selling the property to his brother in 1831.
The name Woodburn comes from the wood fires that once burned on the property. Visitors can see how the house and surrounding buildings were used by the people who lived and worked here over generations.
The grounds are quiet and green with large trees, ideal for a leisurely walk through history. Visitors should expect unpaved paths and wear comfortable shoes, as the property is spread out and exploration requires walking the land.
James Wilkins, a free black man, served as the chief butler for President Tyler at the White House, managing household staff and expenses. This unusual role in the 1840s represents a rare moment of advancement within the slavery system.
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