Courage Under Fire: The Hollingsworth-Lee House Tells a Story of Civil War Heroism in Waterford's Historic Heart
- Morgan Martin Boyer
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
When heritage meets opportunity—this 1805 Colonial home at 40135 Main Street carries the legacy of Robert Hollingsworth, a Quaker schoolteacher whose unwavering Union loyalty made him a Confederate prisoner and Civil War hero.
View the full MLS listing here: The Hollingsworth-Lee House in Waterford VA
In the picturesque village of Waterford, Virginia—America's only National Historic Landmark village of its kind—stands a remarkable stone and masonry home that witnessed one of the Civil War's most dramatic acts of courage and community solidarity. Now offered at $672,000 through the expert representation of Morgan's Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty colleagues Christy Hertel and Janeen Marconi, the Hollingsworth-Lee House presents discerning buyers with the rare opportunity to own authentic American history in one of Virginia's most protected and cherished communities.
A Village Founded on Peace, Tested by War
Waterford was founded around 1733 by Amos Janney, a Pennsylvania Quaker seeking fertile land and religious freedom. The 1,420 acres that includes the village and surrounding open space was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970, a designation on par with that given to George Washington's Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. This distinction places Waterford among America's most precious preserved communities—"Of over 2,000 National Historic Landmarks, Waterford is the only one of its kind".
The Hollingsworth-Lee House, built in 1805 and constructed of stone and masonry, showcases the distinctive Colonial architecture that defines Waterford's streetscape, featuring the characteristic dog-tooth cornice and jack arches over the openings. At 1,720 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, this home combines authentic period architecture with comfortable living spaces and includes a fireplace that has warmed the home for over two centuries. But it's the human story within these historic walls that truly sets this property apart from other homes.
Robert Hollingsworth: The Schoolteacher Who Defied a Rebellion
At the time of the Civil War, the owner of the house, Robert Hollingsworth, was a Quaker schoolteacher from Winchester and an outspoken defender of the Union, which he supported "now and forever". In a community where the vote was 221 to 30 against secession, Hollingsworth represented the moral courage of Waterford's Quaker heritage—people whose cardinal principle was non-resistance yet who stood firm in their convictions.
The defining moment of Hollingsworth's life—and this house's history—came in September 1863. Confederate General Jeb Stuart ordered the seizure of two prominent Waterford Quakers as hostages to secure the release of two secessionists from Federal prison. The intended targets were insurance company president William Williams and tannery owner Asa Bond.
When Confederate raiders reached Bond's house, they were met with fierce resistance. Bond's daughter Mrs. Rachel Means and niece Miss Laura Bond challenged the soldiers at the door and "put up a good fight." Miss Bond even fired a revolver at the Rebels. This diversion allowed Bond to escape, but the raiders needed a second hostage to accompany the captured Williams.
Robert Hollingsworth, the owner of this house, was seized instead—an act that would transform him from a quiet schoolteacher into an unwilling symbol of Union resistance.
From Castle Thunder to Christmas Homecoming
The two hostages were sent to Richmond's Castle Thunder Prison, one of the Confederacy's most notorious facilities for Union spies, political prisoners, and individuals charged with treason. What followed was a remarkable display of community solidarity that transcended political divisions.
Efforts to secure their release continued into December, when Mrs. Mary Williams set off for Washington with a letter to President Lincoln and a petition signed by 85 Union supporters from Loudoun County. President Lincoln heard their pleas at the White House and jotted a note to the commissioner for prisoner exchange.
The story reaches its emotional crescendo with one of the most touching homecomings in Civil War history: "William Williams and Robert Hollingsworth arrived back to Waterford—looking beleaguered, longer beards, Williams even had smallpox from prison—but they make it back to Waterford on Christmas Day 1863".
Living History in America's Most Protected Village
Today's Hollingsworth-Lee House stands as a testament to both individual courage and community resilience. Fifty-nine of Waterford's 107 buildings were constructed before 1861, creating an authentic 19th-century streetscape that has remained largely unchanged. Residents of Waterford see themselves as caretakers of the historic homes where they live, maintaining their houses so that they reflect their history and only making changes that will not adversely change the character of the village.
The village's National Historic Landmark status provides exceptional protection—ensuring that "in one hundred years from now, the village will hopefully look as it does today". This level of preservation oversight makes Waterford properties among the most secure heritage investments in America, where historical integrity is legally protected for future generations.
Colleagues in Excellence: Hunt Country Sotheby's Expertise
Christy Hertel and Janeen Marconi, Morgan's esteemed colleagues at Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty, bring exceptional expertise to this remarkable listing. Christy, Waterford's resident Realtor, combines 25 years of interior design experience with unmatched local knowledge, having lived in the historic village for over 15 years. Her intimate understanding of Waterford's unique preservation requirements makes her an invaluable resource for historic property buyers.
Janeen Marconi, Principal Broker and Managing Partner of Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty, brings nearly half a billion dollars in career transaction volume to the partnership. Known for her passion to protect open space across the region, Janeen is one of the area's foremost experts in conservation easements—expertise that's particularly relevant for buyers interested in Waterford's protected landscape and National Historic Landmark status.
Exceptional Value in an Irreplaceable Setting
At $672,000, the Hollingsworth-Lee House represents exceptional value for a property within America's most protected historic village. Set on a 8,712 square foot lot with monthly HOA fees of just $42, this Colonial home offers both historic authenticity and modern livability. Properties within Waterford's National Historic Landmark boundaries rarely come to market, making this availability truly exceptional.
The combination of authentic Civil War history, Colonial architecture, and the irreplaceable setting of America's most complete 19th-century village creates investment security that extends far beyond typical real estate considerations. The stone foundation and shake roof represent the enduring construction methods that have allowed this home to survive over two centuries of American history.
The Quaker emphasis on education and their careful record keeping resulted in unusually detailed historical documentation, meaning new owners will possess not just a beautiful historic home, but a thoroughly documented piece of American heritage. The house comes with stories that connect directly to President Lincoln, Confederate General Jeb Stuart, and the broader narrative of a nation divided.
Schedule Your Private Tour
For discerning buyers seeking more than luxury—those who value authentic American history, architectural integrity, and community heritage—the Hollingsworth-Lee House represents an unparalleled opportunity. In Waterford, you're not just buying a home; you're becoming a steward of America's most perfectly preserved 19th-century village.
Contact Morgan to schedule your private viewing of this National Historic Landmark treasure. Experience where Robert Hollingsworth's courage during America's greatest trial created a legacy that continues to inspire today.