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Submitted: 1/10/18 • Approved: 1/10/18 • Last Updated: 4/13/18 • R810150-G810148-S3
This restored neoclassical antebellum home is on the National Register of Historic Places NRHP reference # 78003399 for a number of reasons:
Craftsmanship
Civil War History
and a Legend about "Belle Starr" Myra Shirley as a "Confederate Spy" being held overnight while the Union was in control of the property.
The Ritchey Mansion has withstood direct hits with cannon balls, a fire which damaged much of the town, and a tornado that destroyed many homes in Newtonia.
The date in which the house was built seems to be in question. The date is listed as 1840 on the application for the National Register of Historic Places and the sign in front of the house says 1851 - 1852.
I invite you to read the application for the Historic Registry which not only describes this fine historic residence, and it's history as both Union and Confederate Headquarters and Hospital, but the flowery account of Major Enos arrest and detainment of Myra "Belle" Shirley overnight. Whether this happened or is another legend, your guess is as good as mine, but it is fun to read.
The link to the application for designation as a History Property is at the bottom of the page.
The Ritchey Family Cemetery is just to the South of the building. There are many graves marked by fieldstones adjacent to the family cemetery that are reportedly slave burials. Sadly, there is no record of their names. In addition, there is a burial marked with a cross closer to a steam just South of the cemetery. There are many such marked graves located in Newtonia Cemetery which is less than a quarter mile from the house and family cemetery. Is this cross marking a Civil War soldier's burial? It is any interesting mystery. Please view the rest of the photos for this cemetery. The cross by the creek is included and is marked as "Unknown".
The Historic Registry Application Ritchey Mansion
Contributed on 1/10/18 by tslundberg
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Record #: 810150