Fortsville

Fortsville is a two-story wood-frame house with a central section containing three bays, flanked by single-story wings on each side. The structure sits on its original brick foundation that has supported the building since its construction.

Construction took place in 1792, and the property later became the home of John Y. Mason, who served as United States Secretary of the Navy during the 1800s. His national political role connected the house to American naval history.

The house shows Palladian design choices that reflect how educated Virginians wanted to build and live in the early 1800s. The proportions and detailing reveal an appreciation for European aesthetics in the American countryside.

The property sits at the boundary between Sussex and Southampton counties near the small community of Grizzard. The expansive grounds allow visitors to walk through the surrounding agricultural landscape and get a sense of how the house related to its rural setting.

The building retains its original brick foundation after more than two centuries, preserving construction methods from the late 1700s. This durability of the underlying structure offers a glimpse into late colonial building practices.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 36.71306,-77.41417

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22