Selwyn is an old farm house located in Hanover, VA that overlooks the intersection of Creighton Road and Cold Harbor Road. As it stands today, it is but a hollow shell of what was at one time a beautiful home. It is even registered as a historic home of Hanover County. Yet, it sits in complete disarray and is falling apart. Privately owned, the house sits ontop of a 28 acre conservation easement. That has made subdividing with the county and selling the property difficult over the years. Even though Selwyn is registered with the historical society, it is being left to fall to pieces.

A brief history on Selwyn:

The house was located perfectly for use as a Union headquarters during the Seven Days Battle during the Civil War. Confirmed through letters and diaries from soldiers, it is well known that Robert E. Lee spent some time in the house after driving the Union Army out. He also had a meeting with his two top Generals, Longstreet and Jackson, on the front portico of the house to discuss their strategy for battle. The house sustained much damage from shot and shell, and even had a cannon ball come through the top floor. Not only was Selwyn used as a headquarters, it was also used as a hospital. Stories recount "amputated limbs stacked 5-6 feet high" outside of the ground level windows. The blood of those soldiers still stains the original wood floors on the top floor to this day. It is also well known that many soldiers were buried around the grounds outside of the house, along with family members that lived in the house throughout the years.

With such historical significance and such history connected to Selwyn, it is my belief that it MUST be saved and preserved for coming generations. It is but one small piece of the bigger story that is OUR story. It is a story that must be passed down and preserved for generations to come. I am writing this petition to ask for support to try and have this house saved and restored. The house even has a special meaning to me personally, as I grew up as a child fishing in the pond just behind it, and even had distant relatives live there many years ago. Whatever it takes, we must act. 

Thank you.