Black Walnut, Clover vicinity. This historic Southside homestead is noted for its unusually complete collection of plantation structures. Placed about the rambling frame residence are a brick kitchen, a wash house, a dairy, two smokehouses, two sheds, a privy, a stable, a barn, and a slave cabin. A late 18th century schoolhouse and a family cemetery complete the group. Together these buildings remind us of the complexity and self-sufficiency of Southern plantations. Using slaves before the Civil War and hired labor afterwards, these agricultural complexes required organization and manpower. Black Walnut's dwelling was begun between 1774 and 1790 for Matthew Simms. It was expanded in the early 1800s and again in late 1848. Halifax County's only Civil War engagement--the Battle of Staunton River Bridge--was fought on Black Walnut property. The farm, formerly among the country's largest and most productive, is owned by John Simm's descendants. (41-06) VLR: 8/21/91: NRHR:10/21/91. See detailed history of Black Walnut Plantation Rural Historic District

This information is provided by TheVirginia Department of Historic Resources
and is being republished here with the consent of
the Gazette-Virginian & the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee.