About
Our History . . . Ashland Berry Farm is located on Old Ridge
Road, which has a rich history of travel from Indian days through
the war between the states. In 1842 Rueben George Oliver purchased
this property for $750.00 from Pleasants Terrell.
In 1951 Wallace & Vernell Carr purchased it from the Oliver
Estate. The Carrs raised hogs and cattle until the farm was
sold to the Gustafsons in 1978. At that point in time the farm
became The Ashland Berry Farm.
Historic
Fork Church, built between 1736 and 1740, is located across
the street from the Ashland Berry Farm. Tradition has it that
Fork Church was used as a hospital during the war between the
states, several Confederate soldiers are buried in the churches
cemetery, and the front of the then "Oliver Farm" (now the Ashland
Berry Farm) was used as a Civil War encampment during the North
Anna Campaign.
1/2 mile from the farm on Old Ridge Road is the historic home
of Sara Thornton (Church Quarter), built in 1843. On July 16,
1862 "Stonewall" Jackson and his staff were traveling down Old
Ridge Road after disembarking from Beaverdam Station, he stopped
at Sara Thorntons home and asked for water. After Sara found
out that the soldier was "Stonewall" Jackson she put the pitcher
away and let no one else use it. She was giving it to her children
as a memento.
Scotchtown, the home of Patrick Henry is located less than 5
miles away from the farm and was used by Patrick Henry from
1750 to 1799 for Military and Political reasons during the birth
of our nation. |
