Laurel Hill, Birthplace of Major General J.E.B. Stuart, CSA

Elevation: 1218 ft.

“I might have rambled the dear old hills of Patrick amid all the pleasures of a mountain home for a lifetime.” – J.E.B. Stuart, 1853

The rolling fields, scattered woodlots and bubbling stream of this 75-acre property are where the Confederate Major General James Ewell Brown (J.E.B.) Stuart was born and spent his boyhood. Since 1990, the property has been under the control of the J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace Trust, Inc., which was formed to preserve and interpret the General’s childhood home. The Trust has created a self-guided walking trail. This trail highlights the historical sites on the property including the former house site, several cemeteries and historical markers in addition to leading the visitor to a small waterfall and the Ararat River. This diversity of habitats provide for a variety of birds. The open fields at the center of the property are home to eastern meadowlark, eastern kingbird, indigo bunting and chipping sparrow, while the woods hold blue jay, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse and Carolina wren.