Burrowsville -- Brandon

The Brandon tract was patented by James Martin, a son of Sir Richard Martin, of England, who in 1616 was granted ten shares of land by the Virginia Company. The tract was named after the town of Brandon in Suffolk, England. In 1909, the landscape consisted of informal flower beds and tall trees--many of which were previously imported from the West Indies. A box hedge was at a height of four feet near the house on the north side. Box also bordered the garden walks, interlined with chains of cowslips and daffodils. Broad, grassy walks were located between lilac and althea hedges. By 1934, the gardens showed some rectangular and square divisions with paths bordered by old box. In the 1960s, Brandon Farm consisted of 4,500 acres, of which 1,500 was under cultivation. Twelve families lived on the property during this time, with 15 men employed.

Persons associated with the property include: John Martin (owner of land grant, 1616); John Sadler, Richard Quiney, and William Barber (former owners, 1637); Benjamin Harrison, II. (former owner, 1712); Nathaniel Harrison (former owner, 1720); Robert Williams Daniel (former owner, 1926);Thomas Jefferson (designer of additions and center for house, ca. 1765); and Arthur Shurcliff (landscape architect).