Groveton near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Your View, Your Voice
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 22, 2022
From here, it's easy to see why Betsey Mason wrote that she planned to visit Huntley for much-needed peace and quiet in the 1840s. The view—of the land and of the people who lived and worked here—has changed since then, but thanks to community action and preservation efforts, it's become an ideal place to visit for fresh air and quiet reflection.
Today, Huntley Villa may look like an empty house, but it's filled with stories—stories from hard times, stories from when life, the land, and the world changed, stories from everyday life: wedding celebrations, children tumbling on the hillside, and friends growing old together.
Every story offers a different view. What's yours?
A View for All Time
Discover More Views at Historic Huntley
Sign up for a tour or a program to learn more about Huntley's stories. Volunteer as a docent or researcher. Hold your wedding or other special event at Huntley Villa. Share your views and make new stories! (Call 703-768-2525 for information.)
Saving Historic Huntley's Villa and View
Through advocacy and hard work, Historic Huntley escaped the pressure of development and became part of Huntley Meadows Park in 1989. In 2012, the restored Villa was opened to the public.
[Captions:]
We have no photographs of the people who lived at Huntley before the Civil War, but until emancipation, Huntley depended on the labor of enslaved African-Americans who lived here.
Henry Woodhouse and friends (Woodhouse not in uniform), ca. 1930. Woodhouse bought multiple properties that later became Huntley Meadows Park.
A Huntley gathering, including Bert Harrison and his brother-in-law Norman Gibbs, early 20th century
Earl and Everett Alcorn with chickens at Huntley, ca 1934
Dorothy and Mary with their father, Earl Alcorn, ca 1945
Ribbon cutting celebrating Huntley Villa's 2012 opening with members from Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, FCPA Board, FOHH, previous villa residents, and park supporters.
Riding horses at Huntley, ca mid-20th century
Erected 2015 by Fairfax County Park Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1989.
Location. 38° 45.945′ N, 77° 5.699′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Groveton. Marker is on Huntley Meadows Lane west of Harrison Lane (County Road 723), on the right when
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 22, 2022
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New Views, New Voices (a few steps from this marker); Huntley (within shouting distance of this marker); A View from the Beginning / Explore Historic Huntley (within shouting distance of this marker); Missing Views, Lost Stories (within shouting distance of this marker); Unfolding Views, Hidden Stories (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Huntley (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Saint Mark's Episcopal Church (approx. half a mile away); Beacon Field Airport (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.