French Hay Plantation
French Hay | |
 The front of French Hay as it stands in October, 2025. | |
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| Nearest city | Hanover, Virginia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 37°40′49.6″N 77°27′20.9″W / 37.680444°N 77.455806°WCoordinates: 37°40′49.6″N 77°27′20.9″W / 37.680444°N 77.455806°W Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed. |
| Built | 1735 |
| Part of | Hanover County |
French Hay is a historic plantation located in Hanover, Virginia. Originally built in 1735, it is one of the oldest historic plantation houses in Virginia. The house, believed to have been constructed in 1735, is one of the few remaining examples of Colonial Georgian-Era architecture in the region. Though privately owned, the structure has become a subject of public interest due to its architectural design, long period of vacancy, and its cultural associations with Hanover's early settlement patterns. The property is currently unoccupied and has been the focus of on-going community discussion regarding preservation and restoration efforts.
History
During the American Revolution, French Hay was the headquarters for General Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. Upon return to France, Lafayette sent back some hay seed which produced a splendid crop. Neighbors came to get seed, and began to call the place "French Hay".[1]
French Hay was also home to Judge Leon M. Bazile of Virginia's Fifteenth Judicial Circuit from 1941 - 1965. Judge Bazile ruled over Loving v. Virginia, which led to the banning of interracial marriage in Virginia on April 10, 1967. This led to the sentence of imprisonment for Richard Loving, a white man, and his wife, Mildred Loving, a woman of color. By June 12, 1967 the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision to strike down Judge Baziles former decision, and ending all race-based legal restrictions on marriage in the United States.[2][3]
Local records indicate the Cross family purchased the building in the late 20th century.
In 2005, the house was moved a quarter-mile south of where it originally stood to make room for a Home Depot. The East and West wings of the building were removed, leaving only the original 1735 building.
Architecture
As seen in 2025 photographs, French Hay is a two-story Colonial-style brick and timber construction. There is a symmetrical facade to the building and two original chimneys remain.
During the 2005 move of the building, the East and West wings of the building, added during the 20th century, were removed. The only remaining portion of the building is the original, dating back to 1735.
Current Condition
As of 2025, the building sits without renovation or restoration. There are numerous holes in its roof, and its eastern outer brick wall is held up by wooden braces.
Recent local interest in historic preservation has prompted renewed discussion about the future of French Hay. Community members and preservation advocates have expressed concern about the structure’s declining condition and have voiced support for exploring restoration options. As of 2025, the property remains in private ownership, and no formal preservation plans have been announced.
References
- ↑ "Hanover County Photo Album Index". US Gen Web Archives.
- ↑ "Religion and the Marriage of Bazile & Bowcock". Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ↑ "The Bazile Papers". Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
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