Dodona Manor, nestled in the charming town of Leesburg, Virginia, is a captivating historic house museum that offers a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of General George Catlett Marshall. This National Historic Landmark, located at 312 East Market Street, was once the cherished home of Marshall, a distinguished military leader and statesman whose contributions to the United States and the world are immeasurable. Today, Dodona Manor stands as a beautifully restored testament to the Marshall era, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the serenity and significance of this remarkable estate.
The story of Dodona Manor begins long before it became the residence of George and Katherine Marshall. The property, originally named after the ancient Greek shrine of Dodona, has a history that dates back to the early 1800s. The house itself boasts a fascinating architectural evolution, with its earliest structures featuring five-course American brickwork. In the mid-1820s, John Drish added a Federal-style wing with Flemish bond brickwork and keystone arches, setting the stage for the manor's future grandeur.
Over the years, Dodona Manor changed hands multiple times, with each owner leaving their mark. From the Rev. Charles Nourse, who opened the Loudoun Female Collegiate Institute in the house, to the Prather and George families, the manor's history is rich with stories of education, innovation, and transformation. It was not until 1941 that the Marshalls acquired the property, purchasing it for $16,000. Legend has it that Katherine Marshall paid the owners $10 in earnest money and threw the for sale sign into the bushes to discourage potential competitors.
George C. Marshall, a man of extraordinary achievements, lived at Dodona Manor from 1941 until his death in 1959. As Chief of Staff of the United States Army during World War II, Secretary of State, President of the American Red Cross, and Secretary of Defense, Marshall played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history. His leadership in developing the Marshall Plan, which provided aid to rebuild Europe after the war, earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953.
Dodona Manor was more than just a residence for the Marshalls; it was a sanctuary where George and Katherine could retreat from the pressures of public life. The house witnessed countless quiet conversations and contemplations of international importance, making it a place of profound historical significance. After George Marshall's passing, Katherine continued to reside in the house until she moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina, in 1960, gifting the property to her daughter, Molly Winn.
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In the early 1990s, when Mrs. Winn expressed her desire to sell Dodona Manor, a group of dedicated Leesburg citizens, led by B. Powell Harrison, rallied to preserve the property. Fearing that it might fall into commercial hands and face demolition, they formed the George C. Marshall Home Preservation Fund, later known as the George C. Marshall International Center. Through their efforts, Dodona Manor was purchased for $2.3 million and underwent extensive renovations costing over $4.5 million.
Much of the funding for the restoration came from European nations that had benefited from the Marshall Plan, as well as grants from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the National Park Service, and generous private donations. The meticulous restoration, led by experts like Dr. William Seale and Anne Horstman, ensured that the house was returned to its Marshall-era appearance of the 1950s. Dodona Manor officially opened as a museum on Veterans Day in 2005, allowing visitors to experience the elegance and history of this remarkable estate.
Stepping into Dodona Manor is like entering a time capsule of the 1950s. The house is unique among historic homes because over 90% of the furnishings and memorabilia were owned and used by the Marshalls. Visitors can explore rooms filled with personal artifacts, including Marshall's favorite red La-Z-boy chair, his General Electric radio and television combination set, and his extensive collection of historical biographies.
One of the highlights of Dodona Manor is the art collection, which includes reproductions of works gifted to the Marshalls by notable figures such as Sir Winston Churchill and Vyacheslav Molotov. The library, a cozy and inviting space, features figurines of a Chinese wedding procession given to Marshall by Madame Chiang Kai-shek, a portrait of Colonel Robert E. Lee, and many other cherished items.
The bedrooms offer a glimpse into the personal lives of George and Katherine Marshall. The original master bedroom was converted into a guest room, while the Marshalls occupied two guest bedrooms connected by a Jack and Jill bathroom. This arrangement suited their different habits, with George waking up early and Katherine enjoying breakfast in bed. Madame Chiang Kai-shek, a close friend of the Marshalls, was a frequent guest at Dodona Manor, often accompanied by her servants who stayed in the grandchildren's nursery.
The grounds of Dodona Manor have been lovingly restored to their Marshall-era appearance, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors. A large vegetable garden, which served as a restorative antidote to the pressures Marshall felt as Army Chief of Staff, is a testament to his love of gardening. Katherine Marshall's passion for roses is evident in the beautifully restored rose garden, featuring the types of roses she cultivated.
To protect the views from Dodona Manor, the George C. Marshall Preservation Fund purchased eleven surrounding properties during the principal restoration. While ten of these properties have since been sold off, a shopping center known as The Shops at Dodona Manor remains, generating revenue for the site. The grounds offer a serene and reflective atmosphere, inviting visitors to take leisurely strolls and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds this historic estate.
In conclusion, Dodona Manor is not just a historic house; it is a living testament to the life and legacy of George C. Marshall. Its walls echo with the stories of a man who shaped the course of history, and its rooms are filled with the artifacts of a life dedicated to service and leadership. A visit to Dodona Manor is a journey through time, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into the world of one of America's greatest statesmen. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Dodona Manor is an unmissable destination in the heart of Leesburg, Virginia.
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