07/04/2026
🇺🇸A Fourth of July Reflection from Stonehurst Manor
As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of American Independence, we are reminded that the history of Stonehurst Manor stretches far beyond these stone walls.
The families of Stonehurst Manor trace their roots to Revolutionary patriots, early Virginia pioneers, and remarkable men and women whose lives helped shape both Virginia and our nation.
Long before this manor was built, the land beneath it was once owned by Colonel Ambrose Rucker, Revolutionary patriot, pioneer of Amherst County, and ancestor of the present stewards of Stonehurst Manor.
Standing an astonishing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing more than 300 pounds, Colonel Rucker was a formidable figure during the American Revolution. During British General Banastre Tarleton’s infamous 1781 raid on Charlottesville, Rucker became a target of the British.
Mounted on his legendary horse, The Hunter, Colonel Rucker escaped into the Blue Ridge foothills. Using his knowledge of the rugged Virginia landscape, he successfully evaded capture, preserving both his life and legacy. His daring escape remains one of the many remarkable stories woven into the history of our family and this land.
The families of Stonehurst Manor also descend from Carter Braxton, signer of the Declaration of Independence, who pledged his fortune, reputation, and livelihood to the cause of American liberty.
Another ancestor, Samuel B. Turner, stood among the ordinary patriots of the Revolution—men whose courage and sacrifice helped secure the freedoms we continue to enjoy nearly 250 years later. While history often remembers great statesmen and generals, it was men like Samuel, answering the call to liberty, who helped forge a new nation.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable stories belongs to Judith Robinson White, granddaughter of Declaration signer Carter Braxton and dear friend of First Lady Dolley Madison. As British forces advanced upon Washington during the War of 1812, Judith stood beside Dolley as they worked to save priceless national treasures—including the famed portrait of President George Washington—before the White House was set ablaze.
Today, as stewards of Stonehurst Manor, we are honored to preserve not only this historic estate, but also the stories of the remarkable men and women whose lives shaped both this land and our own family history.
As America commemorates 250 years of freedom, we remember that history is not only found in books—it lives on through families, places, and the stories we choose to preserve.
From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful and blessed Fourth of July.
🇺🇸 Happy 250th Anniversary of American Independence from Stonehurst Manor. 🇺🇸
