May 19, 2014 / Joanne Yeck

For Sale: Montevideo

Courtesy University of Virginia

In 1860, Montevideo, the former Cabell family show place on the James River, was put up for sale. Offered privately by Richmond agent Charles Y. Morriss, slaves and livestock were auctioned with the plantation. Previously known as Repton, in the 1810s, Judge William H. Cabell and Attorney General William Wirt dubbed it Montevideo for the wondrous view. Judge Cabell, who owned the plantation until in 1822, died at his residence in Richmond on January 12, 1853. The advertisement read as follows:

JAMES RIVER ESTATE, NEGROES, STOCK &C. &C.,

FOR SALE PRIVATELY.

I OFFER for sale the Valuable Estate, in the County of Buckingham, known by the name of “MONTEVIDEO.” (formerly the residence of Judge Cabell) also the Negroes, Stock, &c., of every description. The Estate contains 2,280 Acres, of which 200 Acres are James River low-grounds of the best quality. Large crops of Corn, Wheat and Tobacco are annually made upon this Estate. It has all the necessary improvements. The Negro Quarters are all new, with brick chimneys and plank floors. The tobacco houses are built of chestnut logs and covered with chestnut shingles. It has an Orchard containing upwards of 2,000 trees of the most choice fruit, apples, pears, peaches, cherries, &c. It is well watered and healthy, and has a magnificent view of James River, mountain scenery, &c. This Estate is on the South-side of James River, having a covered bridge across the River to the James River and Kanawha Canal, about a quarter of a mile from the Estate. . . .

Can a Slate River Ramblings reader identify the owner of Montevideo in 1860?