Belvedere is a farm with a rich history spanning over 260 years, encompassing more than 600 acres. The Fulks family acquired the property in 1968. Today, it remains a working production farm, cultivating grain crops and pumpkins.
Cape Dutch architecture.
Early History and Ownership
Belvedere Plantation was established along the Rappahannock River in the 1760s by Col. William Dangerfield. It was a modest-sized plantation. Sources indicate that Col. Dangerfield annually exported 3,600 bushels of wheat, owned numerous horses, and was known for his kindness and hospitality.
Our understanding of colonial life at Belvedere is largely based on the 1770's diary of John Harrower, who served as the in-house tutor to the Dangerfield children.
Belvedere House Gardens.
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Revolutionary War Era
In November 1775, the local Minute Men militia utilized Belvedere for their required twenty days of muster and drill. The militia comprised over 250 men from the surrounding counties of Caroline, Spotsylvania, King George, Stafford, and the City of Fredericksburg. Harrower noted that Col. Dangerfield was very hospitable to the militia, providing the men with ample food and supplies during their stay.
Architectural and Structural Evolution
The original three-story plantation house still stands with several additions, including the current family dining room, which was once a chapel. It has been continually inhabited throughout its history and is the current residence of M.R. and Judy Fulks. Note that it is not open to the public.
Early 20th Century: The Peony Farm
At the beginning of the 20th century, Belvedere was also known as “The Peony Farm”. These flowers were cut as buds in May and then shipped to metropolitan cities in the northeast.
Modern Era and Family Stewardship
Belvedere Plantation was purchased by McKendree G. Fulks in 1968. His son, McKendree R. Fulks, moved his family there in 1972. The first modern strawberry crop was harvested shortly afterwards. The strawberry fields grew to 20 acres during the height of the pick-your-own era of the early 1980’s.
The Great Pumpkin Patch began in 1983 to expand the direct marketing efforts of the farm. In 1997 The Great Adventure Maize Maze was opened. M.R., and his wife Judy retired in 2006 from grain farming but are still involved in the farm. M.R.'s son Donnie became president of Belvedere in 2007, and is assisted full time by two of his five sons, Ian and Quinn.
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Additional Historical Sites in the Region
Belvedere Estate shares its historical significance with numerous other sites in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. These sites reflect a diverse range of architectural styles and historical uses.
Key Historical Sites
- Granite Lodge: Built c. 1834 for Anthony Oliphant, now the Head Office of the SAHRA.
- Leinster Hall: Built in the 1850s by Sebastiaan Hofmeyr.
- Victorian Clocktower: Erected in 1883 as a signal tower.
- Dockhouse No. 1 and No. 2: Double-storey structures, with No. 1 containing fabric of the original Breakwater Convict Station.
- St. Stephen’s Church: The first theatre in South Africa, later converted to a church.
- The Castle of Good Hope: Associated with the Parade, essential for garrison training.
- Greenmarket Square: Historically a vegetable and fruit market.
- Zorgvliet: One of the oldest properties in the Cape, dating back to 1669.
- Rust en Vreugd: An impressive 18th-century town house.
- City Hall: Designed in the Italian Renaissance style.
These sites, along with Belvedere Estate, contribute to the rich tapestry of South Africa's historical and cultural landscape.
Castle of Good Hope.
Knysna: A Nearby Historical Town
The coastal town of Knysna, located near Belvedere Estate, also boasts a rich history. The first Europeans arrived in the area in 1760, and the farm Melkhoutkraal was established on the eastern shore of the Knysna Lagoon. George Rex, a British-born entrepreneur, is credited as the founder of Knysna.
The indigenous inhabitants of the Knysna area are a southern Khoekhoe people called the Houtunqua or Outeniqua. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Houtunqua kept livestock and practised Nomadic Pastoralism but made extensive use of the resources in mountain forests.
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Knysna Heads.
Modern Knysna
Today, Knysna is a popular destination for tourists and senior citizens, known for its warm climate and outdoor activities. The town hosts several annual events, including the Knysna Oyster Festival and the Knysna Speed Festival.
Knysna has an oceanic climate with warm summers and mild winters. The town is primarily built on the northern shore of a large warm-water estuary, known as the Knysna Lagoon, which is fed by the Knysna River.
| Month | Average Maximum Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| Summer | 25 |
| Winter | 17-18 |
Belvedere Estate and its surrounding areas offer a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a significant landmark in South Africa's heritage.
The Historical Context for the Belvedere Neighborhood
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