February is Black History month.  It’s a great time to provide an update on the Historic Barnes House – see initial post here.

The Barnes House, home of Eppa and Amanda (Lambert) Barnes, was built in 1797, and originally owned by Moses Copen, a slave owner at the time.  Mr. Copen owned Eppa (born in 1852), his siblings and his mother (Jane).  By the end of the Civil War, Eppa was freed and Mr. Copen had passed.  After Mr. Copen’s death, his daughter Permilia Copen, gave the house to Jane (Eppa’s mother) along with seven acres.  Eppa married Amanda “Mandy” Lambert in July 1875.  Over the years they purchased approximately 160 acres of land, raised 11 children and expanded their home as their family expanded.

The residence is a late 18th, early 19th century Vernacular Hall and Parlor-style house, representing the Tidewater influence of architecture in Prince William County. It is an extremely rare style for the County as not many are left. The building itself is important to preserve and the exterior and interior are little changed from the original building period. This is rare in that most buildings undergo multiple building campaigns during their existence. (source:  Brendon Hanafin, Division Chief, Historic Preservation Division)

The Barnes House is still being restored; however, it is projected to be open to the public in the summer of 2017.  The outside of the home shown below is in really good condition. The three fireplaces, siding, and other exteriors appear to be restored.  Resources to complete the inside of the house are competing with other restoration efforts by the Prince Willam County Historic Preservation Division so an official completion date is not available.

Following are two pictures of the inside of the house.  When we visited on 29 Oct 2015, the materials required for repairs were stored inside the home.  Now, much of that material was used for the restoration efforts.

The following picture is a rear view of the Barnes House prior to relocation.  The kitchen was removed to facilitate transport.  As a part of the restoration effort, the kitchen will be replaced to include working chimney stacks, repair of historic doors and windows, and a new cedar shake roof.

Source:  http://princewilliamliving.com/2015/10/31073/

I will keep everyone posted.  These are exciting times for Prince William County!

Between The Dashes