Ellerslie

Ellerslie is a Renaissance Revival mansion in Colonial Heights featuring a three-story tower, a full-width front porch, and a two-story rear service wing connected by an arcade. The architect Robert Young designed it in 1856 to replace an earlier plantation house that had been lost to fire.

The mansion was built in 1856 as a replacement for an earlier house destroyed by fire. During the Civil War in 1864, it served as headquarters for Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard and sustained damage from Federal artillery fire.

The name Ellerslie comes from Scotland and reflects the property's connection to Scottish heritage. Today, visitors can observe how these roots shaped the building's design and character.

The property is visible from public rights-of-way, making it accessible for those interested in architecture. It has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1973 and can be viewed from the street.

A cannonball from the 1864 Battle of Swift Creek remained embedded in the mansion's wall until renovations in 1910. This projectile provided a striking reminder of the war damage the building had endured.

Location: Colonial Heights

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.23667,-77.40917

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:03