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Destroyed Annandale mansion had ties to the Lee-Custis family. By Donna Chasen Date published: 1/14/2006
A NNANDALE IS A small com- This area was rich in history, with most of its lands owned by the more illustrious of the great Virginia families. As is the case in many areas, historical treasures often fall victim to growth and development. This is a story of one treasure that did not survive. Ossian Hall was one of three large estates owned by the Fitzhugh family. Ravensworth, the second of the trio, featured heavily in the history of the family of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Oak Hill, the third house, is the only one remaining today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At this time, its future seems secure. Ossian Hall was built on the Ravensworth plantation land grant that was deeded to the Fitzhugh family in the late 1600s. The name "Ossian Hall" was derived from the legendary Gaelic warrior whose exploits were published in "Tamora" in 1763. The plantation was occupied by tenant farmers from 1694, when the land grant was confirmed, until the late 1700s when William Fitzhugh Jr. of Chatham Manor in Stafford County built the mansion that was to become known as Ravensworth. He was the fourth generation of Fitzhughs to own the land and the first generation of family members to actually reside upon it. Ossian Hall may have been built earlier than Ravensworth. It has been estimated that it was constructed anywhere from 1730 up to around 1780. It is believed to have been built by Nicholas Fitzhugh, the son of Maj. Henry Fitzhugh for his personal use. Nicholas had a large family with 12 children.
Date published: 1/14/2006
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