PARK GATE PLANTATION VIRGINIA GHOST ACTIVITY INVESTIGATION

Foremost among Prince William County’s historic dwellings is Park Gate, a picturesque colonial plantation house. Loss of county records precludes establishing a precise construction date, however, architectural form and details suggest a mid-18th-century origin. With its engaged front porch, steep gable roof, and hall/parlor plan, the house is representative of a vernacular house type once spread through the Potomac River valley in both Virginia and Maryland. Among Park Gate’s early owners was Col. Thomas Lee, son of Richard Henry Lee, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Col. Lee was married to Mildred Washington, niece of George Washington. Following her death in childbirth, Thomas Lee married Eliza Ashton Brent, daughter of Daniel Carroll Brent. The interior was remodeled around 1830 when original woodwork was replaced with Greek Revival trim. Despite these changes, the excellently maintained house preserves an aura of great age.