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Rockledge, circa 1760 Built Of Stone in Occoquan, VA

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Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executives

Rockledge, Occoquan VA

The story of Rockledge, an 18th century (ca.1760) mansion made of stone is inextricably woven into the history of Occoquan, VA

Occoquan got its' name from a Dogue Indian word translated as "end of the waters." Located along the shore of the Occoquan River which joins the Potomac River a few miles away the location was naturally suited for commerce.
By 1736 there was a tobacco warehouse and by 1750 an industrial complex had begun. The town had water grist mills, saw mills, a bakery, forges and homes.

It was during this period that John Ballendine built Rockledge, a Georgian style stone mansion typical of those built in Tidewater Virginia. It sits on a hill overlooking the Occoquan River and Mill St which was home to the industrial complex.

While its' river location was ideal for 18th and 19th century river commerce it was not well suited for 20th century rail and road commerce. Occoquan (pop.800) is now noted for its' quaint shops, restaurants and ghosts.

The present owner of Rockledge added a huge ballroom in 1997 on the left side of the home (not seen in my photo) which is available for rent by caterers. The only original part of the home is the section made of stone.

Rockledge, Occoquan VA Sign



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The Kruschkas are long term Prince William County residents with 35 years experience as real estate brokers serving Woodbridge, Manassas, Dumfries, Manassas Park, Bristow, Brentsville, Gainesville and Haymarket.

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Comments(14)

Greg Gillespie
GumTree Realty / Genesis Realty Services,Inc - Tupelo, MS
CRS / Broker Owner

You don't see very many agents go out of their way to give the details that you are giving to your customers. 

Jan 25, 2012 10:46 PM
Cindy Edwards
RE/MAX Checkmate - Johnson City, TN
CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677

Good morning Karen,

What a great looking house.  The history is interesting. I agree with Valerie, it is so hard to believe what went on back then.  We think we have it tough now!!

Jan 25, 2012 10:56 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Karen, I love your localism posts. I have learned a lot from your posts.

Jan 25, 2012 11:55 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Greg  Reporting on the history of my area is a labor of love

Jan 26, 2012 12:15 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Valerie  They maximized their use of what was available naturally

Jan 26, 2012 12:17 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Cindy  Those early Americans were the foundation of our greatness

Jan 26, 2012 12:19 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Gita  I have learned a lot also doing the research

Jan 26, 2012 12:20 AM
Juli Vosmik
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Karen, I have to think of the intense work required to build this home in a time when there was no machinery.  Imagine aligning those rocks one by one.  Thanks for the history of it - I really enjoy your posts for the information and the beauty of your Stafford County, VA homes.  So much history there. 

Jan 26, 2012 04:44 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Juli  This one is in Prince William County, but I agree with your thought on the cahallenge presented at that time

Jan 26, 2012 05:05 AM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

Boy, brick and stone sure has a way of holding up well.  You have become the local history expert in your area.  Wonderful post.

Jan 26, 2012 12:37 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Kay  This was fun for me while I wait to start 2012 market reports

Jan 26, 2012 10:13 PM
Kathryn Acciari
Central One Federal Credit Union - Shrewsbury, MA
Mortgage Loan Originator

Karen, I have learned so much about your region just by reading your blog articles.  So great to see that our country's history is being preserved in such a manner.

Jan 26, 2012 11:48 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Kathryn  Of course, you have lots of our early history in your area

Jan 27, 2012 12:32 AM