Taking a trip to ancient ruins doubles as a fun field trip and a blast to the past. Being in a historically rich state like Virginia, there's bound to be exciting tales around every corner. This run-down mansion in Virginia has been around for about 135 years and it's still a popular site to visit. Barboursville Ruins is located in Barboursville, Virginia. This mansion was designed by Thomas Jefferson himself, and in 1884 on Christmas Day, it went up in flames for unknown reasons. From 1822 to 1884, James Barbour was the owner of this property. He was not only a lawyer, but Barbour was also the governor of Virginia during the War of 1812, the Secretary of War under John Quincy Adams and a US Senator. This mansion is now a popular tourist location and sits on one of the most prestigious wineries in the state. It was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1969. View this post on Instagram I have hope in people, in individuals. Because you don't know what's going to rise from the ruins. - Joan Baez . . . #joanbaez #quoteoftheday #quotesgram #ruins #virginia #vacation #countryside #countryvibes #virginiaisforlovers #hope #humanity #humanityquotes A post shared by Julie Winn (@juliewinn_art_music) on Nov 26, 2019 at 4:07pm PST If you're a wine lover, you'll kill two birds with one stone at this location. There are tastings and tours you can partake in, and can even have a picnic in the acres of vineyards. You're more than welcome to explore the grounds by yourself. You can simply take the 1/4 mile trek from the vineyard to the mansion ruins. View this post on Instagram In denial that it’s getting colder, but the wine is helping A post shared by Kristen Evans (@kristendevans) on Nov 9, 2019 at 5:46pm PST There's also a parking lot right across from the ruins if you want to skip the vineyard completely. While aged, this mansion is so beautiful and unique that it's a popular venue for weddings. It's completely free to visit and the grounds recommend you explore the inside and outside surroundings of the ruins to get the full experience. View this post on Instagram Preserved as a ruin after its destruction by fire on December 25, 1884, Barboursville was one of the largest and finest residences in the region. The only building in Orange County known to have been designed by Thomas Jefferson, Barboursville was constructed between 1814-1822 for Jefferson's friend James Barbour, who served as governor of Virginia, U.S. senator and secretary of war. A brick Flemish-bond mansion with a hipped roof, Barboursville stood two stories high over an English basement. After the fire, the family renovated a pair of brick dependencies to the west of the mansion. Today the estate is run as a vineyard. #barboursville #barboursvilleruins #orangeva ##orangecountyva #va #virginia #virginiahistory A post shared by @ day_tripping_va on Jan 15, 2020 at 3:11pm PST Any time the vineyards are open, the ruins are as well. The hours are normally 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day, but call if you are unsure of the hours and if there are closures. Everyone of all ages can enjoy and appreciate the history and the beauty of this old mansion. Barboursville Ruins Price: Free Address: Mansion Rd., Barboursville, VA Why You Need To Go: You can explore these ruins of a mansion Thomas Jefferson himself designed. Website
