While touring Historic Occoquan last summer, we saw a massive 18th century mansion towering above the town.
Wondering about its history, I recently learned free tours would be offered of this private home.
HOUSE TOUR
Interestingly, the long house looks different from one end to the next because of additions from different owners.
The first room of the white end of the building was the original 18th century part built around 1760.
As we advanced through the mansion we entered the 19th century.
This old house had been added to numerous times over the years, with different owners.
By the end of the 20th century, it had a major remodel, which was destroyed by arson.
This lovely lady bought the house and her son, Lance Houghton, owns it now.
He was the one giving the tour, which was excellent.
He proudly showed off this picture of his mom, which I thought was really great. Quite fashionable. (And we all know I like fashions of the past!)
Loved this photo of Occoquan Village in the past.
Because of the age of the house and the past vandalism, the house continues to require repair.
At the end of the tour, Lance told a fascinating Civil War story about the house, for which there was a huge reenactment on the sesquicentennial a few years ago.
He had a video of it that we saw.
1860 ABRAHAM LINCOLN FOR PRESIDENT FLAG FLEW OVER OCCOQUAN
On the 4th of July, nearly 60 abolitionist Black Republicans (which included one Englishman and three freed slaves) erected a liberty pole on the property of Rockledge Mansion, owned by a Quaker named Joseph T. Janney.
Upon the liberty pole they raised a banner in support of two candidates in the upcoming hotly contested presidential election: Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin.
Similar to the American flag, the field of stars on this banner was replaced by an image of Abraham Lincoln.
On the field of 13 alternating red and white stripes was written in blue:
For President
Abram Lincoln.
For Vice President
Hannibal Hamlin.
VIRGINIANS ANGERED
Since they did this in a Southern state, that stirred up quite a bit of controversy!
While the Black Republicans protected that flag with muskets, discontent grew into a mass meeting at the Prince William County seat in Brentsville, 21 miles to the west, where naysayers firmly resolved to tear down the flag on July 27th.
When the Black Republicans learned of this news, they contacted the governor, John Lechter, for protection.
The governor replied that this request to protect the flag: was about the most consummate piece of impudence and audacity that has ever come under our notice.
On the morning of the 27th, the Black Republicans again raised the American flag, followed by the Lincoln/Hamlin banner.
Waiting with their firearms, the Black Republicans were ready when the Prince William Calvary arrived, with Captain Thornton as leader.
While the cavalry and soldiers gathered around the pole, Janney declared that even though he did not share the Republican opinion, he did allow the use of his property for the flying of the banners.
Boldly, Janney requested protection for his property.
Supporters of the flag presented their signed petitions to Captain Thornton, requesting that the flag be protected.
Ignoring them, Captain Thornton commanded destruction.
LIBERTY POLE DESTROYED AND LINCOLN BANNER CONFISCATED
After confiscating the Black Republicans’ arms, the calvary chopped down the liberty pole.
Then the flags and remains of the pole were sent to Brentsville, the county seat.
{When I asked where the flat is now, no one knew.)
VIRGINIA ELECTION RESULTS FOR ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Upon the November election four months later, Lincoln received fifty-five votes from Prince William County, all from Occoquan.
According to this site, Lincoln additionally received the following votes in Virginia: Alexandria – 16
Fairfax – 24
Fauquier – 1
Loudon – 11
Portsmouth – 4
Shenandoah – 13
