Newport News - Endville House

Ms. Edwards, Ms. Wood, Kennedy and I spend some time at Endville House. Here is what Ms. Edwards learned about the House and the area:

• The house was built in 1769 by William Harwood.
• It is a Georgian-style home.
• During the 1850s - some people believe that the house served as a Confederate hospital. Other people feel that the Confederates sent their wounded down the river to Yorktown.
• On this land was grown the following crops: tobacco, grains, mixed crops and cattle.
• The plantation was home to 15-25 slaves.
• At the time of the Civil War the plantation was owned by Dr. Humphrey Harwood Curtis.
• 1856 - Dr. Curtis married Maria Whitaker.
• Dr. Curtis changed the name of the plantation from Harwood to Endview.
• At the start of the war, Dr. Curtis helped to organize a volunteer company and was elected captain.
• May 1862 - The Curtis family moved to Danville, Virginia.
• Federal troops occupied the Endview property.
• 1864 - the Federal government confiscated the plantation. Seven African-American families moved onto the land.
• After the war the Curtis family was able to gain their land back.
• Endview is currently owned by the City of Newport News.