This room is dedicated
to Governor William Richardson Davie, who grew up in the Waxhaws just
a few miles from Kilburnie. General Davie played a leading role in the
nearby Revolutionary War battles that led to Cornwallis's loss of the
Carolinas and retreat to Yorktown, VA. Davie became governor of North
Carolina, founded the University of North Carolina, and was U.S.
Minister to France after Jefferson. He is buried at Old Waxhaw
Presbyterian Church cemetery.
A portrait of Governor
Davie is by famed artist Jim Shore, based on an 1835 engraving of
a VanderLyn pencil drawing. In addition to a gas log fireplace, the
furnishings include a circa 1840 chest of drawers, a cherry wood
armoire crafted by Bill Craig, two cozy fireside wing chairs, the
original carved mantle, and a four-poster queen-size rice bed. The
floors throughout this suite are the original heart-pine.
The collection of rare
old prints in this room depict Revolutionary War scenes, including
two unusual colored etchings of the massacre by British Colonel
Tarleton of local partisan troops at Buford battleground, maps of
the battle of Camden, and a Courier and Ives print of the
announcement of the surrender of Cornwallis. Guests lodging in this
room have easy access to the comfortable rocking chairs on the
second story front porch, which has a grand view overlooking the
bucolic Craig Farm and historic Craig House.
The spacious and
luxurious bathroom has two pedestal sinks, a large hydro therapy whirlpool bath,
an enclosed shower, and a gas log fireplace with the original
heart-pine mantle.
