ince this is the tri-state area, we couldn’t leave without visiting the third state... Virginia. So we made the trip across the border from Cumberland Gap into Lee County, Virginia. We were spending the day exploring all Wilderness Road State Park had to offer. The first stop, The Karlan Mansion. This grand house was originally known as the Ely House, and it was built in 1878 by Robert McPherson Ely. he constructed the house while his family lived states away in Missouri. There are letters from McPherson to his wife and children that are preserved in the museum room of the mansion. There are three beautiful, handcrafted fireplaces in the mansion that are original to the home. They were made with imported Italian marble, and they just make the space feel grand. In the dining room you’ll find a pie safe, where baked goods used to be stored in order to cool without getting covered in flies. That’s also original to the mansion. We received a tour from a relative of one of the home’s original owners. Ms. Frances Inwood took us around to every room, telling stories she had when the home was still the Ely House. Almost every room in the house has at least one elephant decoration. These were donated to the home by a local politician and his family. Turns out The Elys, especially Frances’s cousin, Maurine, were staunch democrats. So if anyone wants to donate a few donkey figurines or stuffed animals to balance things out, I’m sure the donation would be appreciated. Besides the many elephants, the Karlan Mansion is filled with original furniture and other vintage pieces that have been donated by the community. You could spend hours just walking 52
around and im-
mersing yourself in the history of every room. After our tour, we were treated to some delicious sour cream pound cake in the kitchen. Absolutely delicious! The Karlan Mansion is a great venue for weddings, reunions and other parties. It has a full-service kitchen, two dressing rooms, three restrooms and a solarium great for receptions. Wilderness Road State Park also has several other venue options like the amphitheater, Surber Cabin and the Visitor Center theatre. The park opened officially in 1998, but the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation purchased the Karlan estate and 200 acres surrounding the property in 1993. When it opened in December of ‘98, the mission was to provide people with resources and a cultural experience. It actually sits on part of the original Wilderness Road cut by Daniel Boone in the late 1700s. It’s a great spot for picnicking, hiking and just enjoying the offered living history programs. At the Visitor Center you’ll be able to watch a documentary about the Wilderness
