Welcome.
Pharsalia is an 1814 home built by Major Thomas Massie for his son William as a wedding present. It is located in the Tye River Valley and sits on the shoulder of dePriest Mountain in Nelson County, Virginia. At its height Pharsalia’s working farm was part of a family owned tract in excess of 10,000 acres. Crops and products produced at Pharsalia included wheat, hops, tobacco, potatoes, apples, cranberries, smoked and cured bacon and hams.
Smokehouses
In addition to the original family smokehouse still on the site today, a large commercial smokehouse was operated for the commercial exportation of specialty hams by bateaux.
The smokehouse from William Massie’s father’s home, Level Green, also graces Pharsalia today. It was disassembled and moved to the property in early 2000 for complete renovation. Nearby Massie’s Mill and Tyro Mill were large mills built and operated by the Massie family for the commercial production and exportation of fine wheat flours to Europe and Northern and Western American markets.
Maria & William Massie
William Massie’s wife, Maria (pronounced Mariah), continued to care for the Pharsalia home and property after William’s death in 1862. For 27 years, her diligence and dedication to continuing her husband’s legacy kept Pharsalia financially stable. Her many endeavors included, but were not limited to, keeping general farm operations going, supplying the Confederate Army and hungry neighbors with food, and managing a small boarding school for young girls out of her home all while educating her children and grandchildren.
After Maria’s death at the age of 75, Pharsalia passed out of the Massie family for 60 years. Pharsalia was purchased back into the family in 1951 by Perkins and George Flippin, the 4th generation of Massie descendants. Their daughter, the current owner, Foxie Morgan, is a direct descendant of William Massie’s youngest son Bland Massie. Foxie and her husband, Richard Morgan, are working hard to preserve Pharsalia. Their hope is to share this beautiful home and the grounds with others for generations to come.
Enjoy a Historic Tour
Home & Grounds Tours
Historic tours can be scheduled by appointment for groups of 10 or more.
Tour buses are welcome.
$15.00 each House Tour and History (1 hour)
$15.00 each Outbuildings Tour and History (30-45 minutes)
$15.00 each Grounds Tour (1 hour)
$25.00 each House and Outbuildings Tour and History (1 ½ hours)
$25.00 each House and Grounds Tour and History (2 hours)
$25.00 each Outbuildings and Grounds Tour and History (1 ½ hours)
$35.00 each For all 3 tours (House, Grounds and Outbuildings) (2 1/2 hours)
Pharsalia is rich in history with a picturesque setting like no other. This 1814 home is lovingly restored and preserved today by the direct descendants of the original owner, William Massie.
Pharsalia is a privately owned home listed on the National Historic Register. It is our desire to continue to preserve the past of our great-great-grandfathers home, and to share it by opening our doors to you.
K-12 educational tours are customizable and can be scheduled for Public, Private, and HomeSchooling programs.
Pharsalia loves to entertain however we are a working farm and private home. We are not open to the public on a daily basis but will gladly arrange a personal appointment for your visit. We look forward to hosting you and your family and friends.
