Cleydael

Cleydael is a two-story timber dwelling with five bays, a metal gable roof, and a wraparound porch situated on a rural property near Weedonville in King George County. The house sits visible from VA 206 and maintains its original structural character from the period in which it was built.

The house was built in 1859 as a summer home for Dr. Richard Stuart and gained importance during the Civil War years. It became a refuge for notable figures during that era and played a role in the broader events of the conflict.

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources registered Cleydael in 1986, recognizing its architectural features and connection to significant Civil War period events.

The residence is privately owned and closed to public access but can be viewed from the roadside. Visitors should maintain a respectful distance from the property and observe it from nearby road areas.

In April 1865 John Wilkes Booth came to the property seeking medical care, but Dr. Stuart refused to treat him. This encounter happened just days after President Lincoln's death and remains an overlooked detail in postwar history.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 38.31310,-77.13390

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02