Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The Ned Distiller House is located in the Brentsville Magisterial District. [Courtesy of Prince William County]In its Dec. 10 meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the purchase of two historic properties in Gainesville and Bristow.
The first of the properties was the Ned Distiller House at 16210 Lee Highway and the adjoining Ashe Property at 16206 Lee Highway. These properties span approximately one acre. According to county documents, the Board originally wanted to purchase Ned Distiller's house, but staff recommended the county also purchase the adjoining property due to its size.
Both properties contain structures from the early 1800s. The Ned Distiller House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Historic Landmark Registry; it was built and owned by a freed slave, which is one of the earliest examples of a free African American owning property in the Commonwealth.
