Fort Philip Long, 18th-century fort complex in Stanley, Virginia
Fort Philip Long is an 18th-century fort complex in Stanley, Virginia, constructed with limestone walls and a gable roof. The property includes the original fort structure and a three-bay square brick house built in 1856 on roughly 900 acres along the Shenandoah River.
The fort was built for Philip Long II, the grandson of Philip Long who first settled the area in 1737. It served to protect families in the Massanutten region of Page County during a period of frontier tensions.
The 1856 brick farmhouse displays original Victorian wall paintings in its rooms that mimic the look of plaster molding and decorative ceiling patterns. These decorations show the taste and craftsmanship that well-to-do families of the time wanted to display in their homes.
The property sits along the Shenandoah River and is most accessible during dry conditions when the paths are easy to walk. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and allow enough time to explore the sprawling grounds.
The cellar features two levels connected by a tunnel to a well positioned about 100 yards from the main building, showing advanced construction for its time. This underground link allowed residents to access water while remaining relatively protected from the main structure.
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