Sam Houston

Sam Houston, the famous liberator of the Republic of Texas and Governor of the states of Tennessee and Texas was born in Timber Ridge, Virginia on March 2, 1793 on this farm that is known as "Churchill". Since 1848 Churchill has been the private residence for 6 generations of the Thompson family, and visitation is by invitation only. The property is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and on the Virginia Historic Landmarks Registry. In 2001 Churchill was the setting for scenes of the Ted Turner film "Gods & Generals"

There is a lot of history in this piece of land located 6 miles from Lexington, Virginia in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Aside from being the birthplace of Sam Houston; during the Civil War, Shermans Army was said to have marched up the front walkway to the home, but left Churchill untouched. Robert E Lee was a friend of the Thompson Family and an overnight guest in the house.

In its hayday distinguished citizens and diplomats were frequent visitors of the Thompson family. Friends of the family, cousins and nephews would come and spend the entire summer at the home. Dwight Eisenhower was said to have been a guest of the family for an evening while he was in town visiting Virginia Military Institute. In 2001 Churchill was the setting for scenes of the Ted Turner film "Gods and Generals".

Near the end of his life, Sam Houston said that his Huntsville, Texas home reminded him of his Virginia birthplace and referred to it as "our dear woodland home". top of page