History of the Half Way House
Built in 1760 on a land grant from King George I by patent dated 1743, the charming old Inn is original and furnished in authentic antiques. Built as the horse change and rest stop for the Petersburg Coach, everyone traveling south of Richmond from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War stopped here, if only for rest and refreshment. Among its famous quests were George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Patrick Henry, Robert E. Lee, U.S. Grant, James Whitcomb Riley and scores of others.
The Half Way House during the Revolutionary War
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During the Revolutionary War, the Half Way House became the military headquarters of the French Marquis de Lafayette (1781), a strong ally of the Colonial cause. His opponent, British General Cornwallis, was residing about twelve miles southeast. He and his men had overtaken the Bolling Plantation, and were using this family’s home as their headquarters. Cornwallis learned of Lafayette’s whereabouts and planned a surprise attack to capture him at the Half Way House.
During Cornwallis’ stay, sixteen-year-old Susanna Bolling was present at her family home. While serving dinner one night, Susanna overheard the General’s plans to overtake Lafayette. The Bolling family’s sympathy was for the Colonial cause and Lafayette. Alarmed, Susanna made up her mind to warn Lafayette. She left her home that night (present-day Hopewell, Virginia), crossed the Appomattox River, and rode on horseback alone through the dark. Susanna braved roughly 12 miles of swamps and terrain, and the certainty of death if she were to be caught. Susanna arrived safely at the Half Way House, and delivered the information about Cornwallis’ plan. Lafayette heeded her warning and escaped. These events led to the Colonial victory over the British in Yorktown six months later. Because of her heroic ride to the Half Way House, Susanna Bolling has been called “the girl who won the Revolutionary War”.
Read more about Susanna’s story and her ride to the Half Way House in Susanna’s Midnight Ride, by author Libby Carty McNamee. ​​​​​​​​​
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The Half Way House During the Civil War
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During the Civil War, the Manor House was conscripted as the Headquarters for Union Major General Benjamin F. Butler during actions in May 1864 in nearby Bermuda Hundred. Butler's efforts to attack toward Petersburg bogged down here, where he was unable to achieve any of his assigned objectives due to the dauntless defenses of Confederate General P.T. Beauregard.
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Union General Benjamin Butler
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An Invitation
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A cordial invitation is extended to inspect the public rooms. On the ground floor is the historic tavern area, which is today the Main Dining Room. The second-floor features what was historically a small ballroom, and a sitting room (or ladies’ parlor). The sitting room is also called the Lafayette Room, as it is graced by a portrait of the Marquis. Today, this room and the ballroom accommodate larger parties and private dining. The third floor of the house was the bedroom area while the House was an Inn. Currently, the third floor is used as private office space. The Young family invites you to visit the original architecture of the House and enjoy the authentic experience of Virginia history.