Lauderdale

Lauderdale is a Greek Revival mansion in Buchanan, Virginia, featuring thirty rooms with high ceilings and hand-carved woodwork throughout. The building includes a library and drawing room connected by wide hallways that showcase the craftsmanship of its era.

The estate was founded in 1749 when James Lauderdale Sr. purchased the initial 366 acres along Looney Mill Creek. By the early 1780s, the property had expanded to over one thousand acres under his management.

The name comes from James Lauderdale Sr., who established the estate. The rooms and their furnishings show how wealthy families lived during that period in Virginia.

The building sits on an estate outside Buchanan and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Before visiting, it helps to contact local authorities or historical resources offices, as access may be limited and official documentation about the property is available through state archives.

The bricks used to construct the building were made on-site by enslaved workers, showing the self-sufficiency of the operation. One notable connection is Pleasant Richardson, who was enslaved here but later escaped during the Civil War and served as a soldier in the Union army.

Location: Virginia

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.49080,-79.82670

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07