Near Gore in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Willow Shade
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 15, 2007
1. Willow Shade Marker
This house, built in 1858, was the childhood home of novelist Willa Cather from 1874 to 1883, when she moved with her family to Nebraska. It was the setting of the final chapters of her novel Sapphira and the Slave Girl. Willa Cather was born December 7, 1873, one mile south in the community of Gore then known as Back Creek Valley.
Erected 1986 by Department of Conservation and Historic Resources. (Marker Number B-17.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Women. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1892.
Location. 39° 16.139′ N, 78° 18.535′ W. Marker is near Gore, Virginia, in Frederick County. Marker is on Northwestern Pike (U.S. 50), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gore VA 22637, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Jeremiah Smith Family Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Willa Cather Birthplace (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Stonewall Brigade at Pughtown (approx. 3.1 miles away); Gainesboro (approx. 3.1 miles away); Frederick County Va. / West Virginia
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. These are some of Willa Cather’s residences that were marked with historical markers, beginning with her birthplace in Virginia.
Also see . . .
1. Willow Shade - Virginia Literary Landmark. So What if Poe Was Here? website entry (Submitted on October 22, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Willa Cather. Literary Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on October 22, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
3. Willow Shade. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Submitted on October 22, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
4. Willa Cather Page. Gustavus Augustus College website entry (Submitted on October 22, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
5. Sapphira and the Slave Girl. Project Gutenberg Australia website entry (Submitted on October 22, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Additional commentary.
Photographed By vis Nation Willa Cather Center, 1927
2. Willa Cather
1. Willa Cather History Quote
I read O Pioneers! in high school and still fondly remember Willa Cather's work. One quote from Cather which stays with me through the years - The history of every country begins in the heart of a man or a woman.
— Submitted October 22, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 15, 2007
3. Willow Shade Marker
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, March 29, 2012
4. Willow Shade (1858)
Nestled in a Virginia mountain gap, remains below modern day four lane US-50.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,189 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 22, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 20, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on October 22, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on March 30, 2012, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.
