Ravensworth, the largest colonial land grant in Fairfax County, and Buckland, Prince William County’s pioneer inland town which thrived despite its distance from the era’s primary commercial waterways, offer a glimpse into the history and genealogy of Northern Virginia.
Ravensworth
William Fitzhugh purchased the enormous plantation (24,112 acres (37.7 square miles)) in 1685 from the proprietors of the Northern Neck Grant. To put its size into perspective, the same area in the year 2000 was home to approximately 138,355 people, encompassing much of modern-day Northern Virginia’s suburbs. For the first century of its existence, Ravensworth was primarily worked by enslaved individuals, focusing on tobacco cultivation under the supervision of overseers. The Fitzhugh owners largely remained absentee landlords during this period. It wasn’t until around 1790 that their descendants built homes and settled on inherited portions of the estate.
Buckland
Twenty-five miles west, Buckland was established in 1798 on land owned by John Love. The town became an important commercial and technology center in America’s early industrial revolution. It was a key link In the flow of commerce between Alexandria’s river port and commercial center and western towns and farms. Bypassed by 19th-century railroads and 20th-century suburban expansion, Buckland now is a model of historic preservation. The small village of owner-protected properties offers a unique glimpse into early American life and industry
Parallel Histories
The histories of Ravensworth and Buckland coincide in time and place with the seating and development of the new United States government in the District of Columbia. Their owners and residents rubbed shoulders with America’s early leaders and Founding Fathers. They met in society, business, and politics, formed friendships, and were touched by many of the same local and national events.
Fitzhugh Family
William Fitzhugh immigrated from England about 1670-71. He amassed a fortune in Virginia land, 54,000 acres, including Ravensworth. He is known as “the Immigrant” to distinguish from several descendants also named William. He and his sons served as members of the colonial Virginia legislature and Stafford County leaders. His grandson, William (of Chatham), served also in the legislature and was a delegate to the Continental Congress, thus earning his place among the Founding Fathers. For their wealth and influence, the Fitzhughs are counted among the “first families of Virginia.”
Love Family
William and Judith Love emigrated from England to the Maryland colony in 1632. They settled in the area that became Saint Mary’s County, across the Potomac River from NoVa. In the third generation, Samuel Love prospered as a mid-size tobacco planter and county leader. Samuel’s son, also named Samuel, continued the family business and played several leadership roles in Maryland’s support of the Revolutionary War. The younger Samuel purchased and, in the late 1770s, moved his family to 1150 acres straddling the border between Fauquier and Prince William Counties. His new home, Buckland Farm, included a grist mill on Broad Run. Skilled artisans, drawn to the milling center, rented small parcels and set up businesses.The growing community gave rise to the town of Buckland. Guided by Samuel’s son, John, Buckland businesses applied and promoted new technologies in milling, distilling, turnpike building, and agriculture – especially cultivation of disease-resistant wheat. A Revolutionary War veteran, John served multiple terms in Virginia’s legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.