John Marshall's Leeds Manor Rural Historic District, historic district in Virginia, United States
John Marshall's Leeds Manor Rural Historic District is a rural area of farms and historic buildings in northwestern Fauquier County. The landscape consists of wide open fields, working farms, and older houses spread across more than 23,000 acres.
The area was linked to Chief Justice John Marshall in the late 1700s, when he purchased land and established himself here. His original home, called The Hollow, displays simple early building styles from that period.
The district's name comes from the 18th-century Manor of Leeds, which was part of Lord Fairfax's land holdings. Today, families who have farmed here for generations shape the place's character and connection to the land.
Most properties are private homes and not all are open for visits, though you can often see historic farms and estates from nearby roads. Always respect the privacy of landowners when exploring the district.
The district contains several communities founded by African Americans in the late 1800s, whose stories are often overlooked. These neighborhoods show how different groups contributed to the area's rural life.
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