THE J.E.B. STUART BIRTHPLACE PRESERVATION TRUST INC.

In 1991, the Trust was formed for the express purpose of purchasing a seventy-five acre tract of land formally owned and occupied by Archibald and Elizabeth Stuart. One of their children was later to attain fame as "Jeb" Stuart the storied commander of cavalry of the Army of Northern Virginia. The tract of land although just a small portion of the original fifteen hundred acres that comprised the Stuart plantation, contained all of the essential remainders of the Stuart occupancy. The stated goals of the Trust were to restore, protect and interpret the property for the edification of the public.

Money was raised by public subscription to purchase the original Stuart property.? Since then, much progress had been made in the improvement and interpretation of the property. From the extensive archaeological study of the property by the College of William and Mary to its inclusion on the Virginia Landmark Register and the National Register of Historic Places, the Trust has been an outstanding example of what can be accomplished by ordinary citizens from all walks of life who were unwilling to permit an important segment of our historical heritage to be lost.

The Trust Board of Directors are all volunteers, and serve without compensation of any kind, save the personal satisfaction that comes from the knowledge that they have contributed to the preservation of an important historic site. The Trust is supported entirely by the contributions of its membership, without whom the Trust could not operate. The Trust is organized under IRS regulation 501-c-3 and all contributions to it are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

The present members of the Board of Directors are:

• President Dr. James Keesee of Patrick Springs, Virginia
• Vice-President Ms. Shirley O. Keene of Patrick Springs, Virginia
• Secretary Ms. M. Coates Clark of Stuart, Virginia
• Treasurer Brian Jessup of Ararat, Virginia
• Thomas Bishop, Claudville, Virginia
• Christopher Corbett of Ararat, Virginia
• James N. Epperson of Ararat, Virginia
• Lester Harrell, Patrick Springs, Virginia
• Ronnie Haynes of Elamsville, Virginia
• Peggy Iroler of Claudville, Virginia
• Jonathan Large, Ararat, Virginia
• Eric H. Monday of Martinsville, Virginia
• Dr. Roger Morris, Stuart, VA
• Richard Murrey, Woolwine, VA
• Mike Pendleton, Critz, VA
• Ms. Amy Brown Sawyers of Ararat, Virginia
• Chip Slate, Esq., Critz, VA
• Director Emeritus John R. Broughton of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina

The Trust cordially invites everyone to visit Laurel Hill, especially during the annual encampments that are held. Anyone desiring to join with us in our efforts to save Laurel Hill for future generations may contact us to us at P.O. Box 1210, Stuart, Virginia 24171-1210 or at 276.251.1833 or at laurelhill@jebstuart.org for further information.