Over 250 years ago, Revolutionary soldier James Mayo Hoge founded an estate called Hayfield, now known as Belle Hampton. While on a quest to find his brother, a brave fighter in the French-Indian War, he instead discovered his true soulmate, Elizabeth Howe. In 1767, they built a home on this pristine land. James fought valiantly in the Revolutionary War alongside his father-in-law, Joseph Howe, and brother-in-law, Daniel Howe, who settled nearby on Sunnyside. The couple was blessed with 11 children, including the distinguished General James Hoge. James Mayo Hoge's legacy continued after his passing in 1812, when his son, General Hoge, honorably purchased his siblings' interests, becoming the rightful owner of Hayfield.

General James Hoge, renowned as a “Leader of Men” especially for his role in the War of 1812, stood an impressive six feet two inches tall and weighed 220 pounds. He was erect, proportioned in every respect, with a smooth-shaven face, full features, and striking black eyes that were both piercing and cheerful, framed by heavy brows, a Hoge distinguishing trait. His tailored attire was always impeccably neat. Overall, he presented a magnificent image, a fact that was widely recognized.  

The General was an entrepreneur who turned his farm into a successful agricultural enterprise, selling hemp for rope to the shipping industry and raising cattle.  He owned 9,000 acres and had a net worth equivalent to $5 million today. He married his first cousin, Eleanor Howe, who shared the same grandfather, Major Joseph Howe.

In 1826, General James Hoge constructed a stunning brick main house, along with a smokehouse and a Cooking/Laundry house. As the sole brick building within a 100-mile radius, it attracted visitors from afar eager to see such a distinguished mansion. The original main house, designed in the Federal style, featured six rooms, three on each floor. Beneath the entire structure lies a cellar with an English Kitchen that has its own cooking area. The central upstairs room is said to be haunted, where guests have reported hearing footsteps ascending to the attic. Were people hiding there during the Civil War to evade Union soldiers? Or are the apparent hauntings more likely connected to soldiers who perished at the Battle of Cloyd’s Farm and were treated at nearby Belle Hampton near the battlefield?

In 1879, Gov. James Hoge Tyler added the front of the house. He was the grandson of General James Hoge and the son of his only daughter, Eliza. Eliza, known as daddy’s little girl, sadly died giving birth to her only child, Tyler. According to legend, J. Hoge Tyler, just two weeks old, traveled in a Champaign basket to the farm with her wet nurse, Sara Armstead. Eleanor visited her grandson and took them back to Hayfield, where Governor Tyler was raised, loved, and educated.

J. Hoge Tyler, beloved by his grandfather, received a top education through tutors and private schools. He also learned how to manage the farm business and foster his entrepreneurial skills. Yet, just as the Civil War started, his grandparents passed away. Eager for his own adventure, Tyler, at 16, ran away with friends to join the Confederate Army as a private, not an officer. After the war ended and he returned, the estate was settled, and he inherited Hayfield from his grandfather.

He returned to a dismantled, unfenced, and worn field, but through his skillful management, hard work, and vision, he transformed it into a very appealing home. Tyler expanded the house by adding the front, staircase, parlor, and upstairs bedroom. He named the house Belle Hampton in honor of his daughter, Belle, and Sue Hampton. Additionally, he raised fine Durham cows and restored the property to its former glory.

In the late 1800s, he established a General Store and Post Office on the property due to his coal mining business, Belle Hampton Coal Mining. After amassing a fortune from his coal ventures, he sold the business in 1902.  However, the structure still stands and is now rented out as an Airbnb called the General’s Store.

Although James Hoge Tyler was not a graduate of Virginia Tech, he served on the board of visitors from 1887 to 1890 and was rector from 1887 to 1889. He contributed to his community by pursuing a political career, starting as a state senator in 1877, then becoming lieutenant governor in 1890 and governor from 1898 to 1902. It was noted that “Tyler was ambitious, but never ruthless.” In 1891, he moved to Radford, leaving Belle Hampton, which would remain vacant for generations. The move may have been motivated by his political ambitions or the tragic loss of his youngest daughter, Nellie, at age one. Regardless, the estate became a summer home for the Tyler family for more than 120 years. 

After Tyler’s death, his son S. Heth Tyler inherited the property, developing it into a summer retreat. In the 1930s, he expanded the main house with an addition, added a kitchen, and built a garage onto the cooking/cleaning cottage. However, the garage was never able to fit a car, as the limited turning radius of vehicles at the time prevented sharp turns between the buildings. A pool and tennis court were also added to create a camp-like atmosphere. Heth Tyler once remarked that it was more affordable to send his children to the farm than to summer camp. The Tylers continued living full-time in Norfolk, VA, until his death in 1943 and his wife’s in 1968.

After her mother died, Sue Hammet Tyler, affectionately known as “Granny Sue” in the community, inherited Belle Hampton, where she cherished spending her summers. She managed the farm and aspired to follow her grandfather into politics, but after a major defeat, her interest waned. She then dedicated her time to her garden, hayfield, or tending to Belle Hampton. Although her main home was in Virginia Beach, VA, she eventually lost interest in Belle Hampton after her long-time friend and farmhand passed away. When Granny Sue died in 2006, Belle Hampton was in urgent need of repairs. Her daughter, Susan Duerson, inherited the estate, as it was believed she would never sell outside the family. However, circumstances compelled either a substantial investment to restore it or the sale of the property to retire. 

The property was abandoned and fell into disrepair, attracting critters and vandals. Inside, Civil War letters and early 1800s books were exposed to moisture, insects, and neglect over the years. What was once a cherished home became a burden for the owner and their family. Fortunately, the roof stayed intact, offering some protection to the remaining contents.

By chance, a great-great-great-grandson of General Hoge visited the property during his son’s 21st birthday celebration. Tom Hoge, his wife, and their three sons received a comprehensive tour of the structures and a brief overview of the family history. While captivated by the scenic landscape and the property's rich history, they departed that day to return to their lives in Ohio.  

Duerson decided to prepare the property for sale, despite her fears of being haunted by her mom for selling to someone outside the family. She began thorough cleaning and clearing, sorting items dating back to before the Civil War. Furniture was appraised, though most would be left behind. Although the house wasn't ready for showing, she planned to list it with a realtor in a week. Then she received a call from the Generals’ great-great-great-grandson. Having recently celebrated his son’s graduation from Virginia Tech and faced his father's death months earlier, Tom Hoge felt a strong family connection to Virginia and offered to buy the property to keep it in the family.

‍After years of neglect, the owner was relieved to sell the property to a family member. She was emotionally tied to the trust her mother had in her to care for this once prestigious estate. The sale proceeded smoothly, with the family joking it was a way of saying they "bought the farm." In reality, it was a carefully considered decision made after years of pondering their ideal destination home—something they only just found now.‍

The abandoned property is no longer neglected and has become a positive outcome for everyone involved. The owner graciously presented the General's Portrait to the family, which now adorns the Main House foyer. 

‍In 2016, the cottage was stripped to its structural elements and beautifully modernized inside. The historic exterior was preserved, with a craftsman repointing the masonry to match the original brick style and craftsmanship. The General Store/Post Office was renovated and is now listed for rent on Airbnb. The main house was also renovated in 2020 and now functions as a Family Office.‍ ‍

‍As dedicated stewards of Belle Hampton, we are committed to sharing our experiences as a valuable lesson for other family businesses. We believe that the 'shirt sleeve to shirt sleeve' cycle is not unavoidable but a challenge that can be addressed. By preparing the next generation and promoting clear communication via Family Governance, including regular Family Meetings, we greatly increase the chances of achieving a successful 250-year vision. 

‍Our work includes helping families with their Family Balance Sheet, which covers goal setting, purpose statements, Vision, Mission, and Core Values. We also focus on Rising Generation Development and Governance. We constantly improve the 250-year plan process by learning from our family's own impressive success story. 

We established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called Belle Hampton Legacy Center, which supports family businesses and farms in addressing their most challenging question: what comes next? Based on Belle Hampton Farm, a working farm handed down through generations, we offer education, peer support, and leadership training to help families protect not only their land but also their values, stories, and enterprise for future generations.

‍With our country celebrating 250 years, we are also celebrating the families and family businesses and farms that have made an impact in Southwestern Virginia. The Red, White and You event will bring history to life through guided tours of the historic family residence and cemetery, storytelling, reenactments, educational speakers, crafts, family activities, and regional food offerings from Back Creek Wagyu.

‍More importantly, the celebration reflects the broader mission of the Legacy Center: to preserve not only historic structures, but also the stories of families and family businesses that built our communities; to educate families about the “business of the family,” including stewardship, leadership, values, and generational continuity; and to inspire future generations to carry those legacies forward with purpose and vision.‍ ‍