Federal Hill

[RobertP]

So kind of you. Reaching folks that live far away, like yourself, are important in essays. Your thoughtfulness means a lot to me.

Great thread! I do have a question. Do you know the ownership of Federal Hill post Civil War to say 1900? Also, I know a bit about Hugh Mercer's background in the town. Do you know where his home was/is located? Thanks in advance.

 

[Woods-walker]

Great thread! I do have a question. Do you know the ownership of Federal Hill post Civil War to say 1900? Also, I know a bit about Hugh Mercer's background in the town. Do you know where his home was/is located? Thanks in advance.

Good questions. I do not know the answers off hand but I ll try to find out and get back to you.
Hugh Mercer's apothecary shop still exist. It's located 2 blocks north and 4 block west of Federal Hill. His statue Is located in front of Kenmore, home of Betty Washington, sister to our first President and her husband Fielding Lewis.
Mercer owned three lots for a total of five acres in the city, plus a stable. He purchased Ferry Farm, a 300 acre estate of Augustine Washington (George Washington's boyhood home). He owned 11000 acres along the Ohio River and another 1000 acres in Pennsylvania.
He attended St George Episcopal church in Fredericksburg with the Washington's. St. George's still exist as an active church and I am working on an essay that includes it and will post something on it in the near future.
He was friends with the Washington's and George Weedon, owner of the Sentry Box, one of the more beautiful 18th century homes that still exist. The Sentry Box was used by Barksdale's Mississippians to delay the middle pontoon construction. It also sets on a hill overlooking where the Irish Brigade placed sprigs of boxwood in their hats before their assault on Marye's Heights.
BTW, The Rising Sun Tavern also still exists in town and was a favorite meeting place for many of our early patriots. Including Mercer. Jefferson drafted the Virginia religious freedom act there, which went on to serve as a part of our First Amendment rights.
I ll get back once I can determine the previous owners of Federal Hill up to 1900.

 

[gc45]

I too would be thrilled to read more of what you have; looking forward to reading it all!

 

[Woods-walker]

I too would be thrilled to read more of what you have; looking forward to reading it all!

Thanks. I ll be sure to include you if I can trace the ownership up to the start of the 20th century

 

[Lubliner]

Not only very informative, but a very heartwarming thread.Thanks,
Lubliner.