In this exhibit you can explore the different phases of Solitude’s history. We begin during the period when this place was indigenous land, and go on to explore its history as a slave plantation in the nineteenth century.
RESTORING A HISTORIC LANDMARK
In 1986, Solitude became eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. After an extensive application process, Solitude was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May, 1986. Following this, the campaign to begin renovating Solitude started in 1987. In 1992, it was registered as a Virginia Landmark.
Yet even as it was being recognized as a historical landmark, the building itself was in poor condition.
The restoration addressed structural problems that had been worsening for the 180+ years of Solitude’s existence. Due to water flowing through the basement, as well as water leaks in the roof and walls, Solitude had water damage in multiple parts of the building, as well as in the outbuildings. Other types of degradation were caused by termites, rats, and years of weathering that had eaten away at the house.
Historical marker at Solitude from the Virginia Landmarks Register.
Heading the movement to get Solitude renovated and in its true historic condition was Jean Haskell-Speer. Through her efforts to promote, fundraise, and advocate for Solitude, the building was fully renovated throughout the 1990s. This campaign was supported by Virginia Tech professors, deans, and presidents; even Virginia senators advocated in favor of restoring Solitude. This process required wide historical oversight due to the historic significance of the building, and Solitude was renovated and restored throughout the 1990s.
Jean Haskell-Spear pictured in front of Solitude for the New River Current in June 1988.
Front cover of fundraising brochure, titled “A Time for Solitude.” (1991)
Valarie Johnson McCullar pictured at the Fraction Family House in July, 2019. The plaque says "In Honor of the Fraction family and others enslaved at Solitude."
The process of restoring Solitude was completed in 2011. After the renovations concluded, Solitude became a classroom and office space for the Appalachian Studies Department, while also remaining a “home of the past and present.” During and after the renovations, descendents of those who were enslaved at Solitude began reaching out to Virginia Tech to discover unknown history about their ancestors. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs was at the forefront of uncovering the story of the Fraction family and others who once lived at Solitude. In 2019, the slave dwelling at Solitude was renamed the Fraction Family House to honor the Fractions and others once enslaved at Solitude.
