Locust Grove Farm House Tour & Reception

Reception & Tour

October 17, 2021 @ 12:00 am

The Robinsons and Wormeleys were two of the wealthiest and most politically important families in 18th Middlesex County.  Many in the county today know two of the homes in which they lived: Hewick (Robinsons) and Rosegill (Wormeleys).  A third house—one that links the two families—is less well known. Locust Grove Farm in Topping was the residence of John Robinson (1707-87) and his descendants from 1736 to 1869. John was the second son of Christopher Robinson II and Judith Wormeley.  John was not the initial owner of the farm, which dates back to 1642, but his family had acquired it by the early 18th century and would own it for longer than any other family prior or since.  

On Sunday afternoon, October 17 Middlesex County Museum and Historical Society will host an open house and tour of Locust Grove Farm in Topping from 1 to 5PM.  Locust Grove Farm sits along the shores of the Rappahannock River on land now protected by a conservation easement.  

Locust Grove farmhouse is of post and beam construction with a gambrel roof. It is situated parallel to the river for cross ventilation, and the central hall and living room have 11 ½ foot ceilings. The wainscoting on the first floor is composed of single boards of 20-inch width.  The name Locust Grove probably dates to the 19th century. John Robinson’s will referred to the property simply as his “home plantation.”  

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the Middlesex County Museum located at 777 General Puller Highway Saluda, Virginia on Wednesdays from 1 to 5PM or on Sundays between 1 and 3 PM, or by purchasing on the museum website (https://middlesexmuseum.com/product/a-reception-at-locust-grove-farm/) . Earlier plans for a dinner have been cancelled due to the current Pandemic, but light refreshments will be served. Locust Grove Farm is located at 1017-1019 Locust Grove Road (route 645) in Topping.