Step back in time as we visit the captivating Somerwell House located at 401 Main St, Yorktown, VA 23690. The year is 1707, and Mungo Somerwell, a ferryman, is hard at work building this historical landmark. Fast-forward to the 1930s, when the National Park Service recognizes its significance and restores it back to its original 1700s appearance.
Once you set foot on the property, youll be transported back in time as you imagine Mungo Somerwell and his family living in this charming home. The house served as a hotel after the American Revolutionary War, providing shelter and warmth to weary travelers seeking respite from their journey.
The Somerwell House is named for its original owner, Mungo Somerwell – a ferryman who owned the property back in the early 1700s. The house was also known as the Lightfoot House after it was purchased by Philip Lightfoot in 1716 as a rental investment. Its one of about a dozen historic buildings owned by the National Park Service in Yorktown, Virginia – each with its own story to tell.
As you explore this T-shaped residence, take note of the extended back wing. This part was initially constructed during the houses time as a hotel. The original section now serves as the rear wing, while the larger section facing the street is an addition.
The Somerwell House has a rich history and cultural significance that continues to captivate visitors today. As we wander through its halls, let your imagination run wild as you immerse yourself in a bygone era – one where the echoes of Mungo Somerwells footsteps can still be felt on the wooden floorboards beneath our feet.