Mysterious Stone Block Found on Historic Virginia Property
March 11, 2025
Source: FB/Anne Levy
An Unexpected Discovery in the Woods
When we purchased our Virginia property, we knew it had a rich history. Dating back to 1846, the land once housed buildings long forgotten, their exact locations lost to time. In our exploration, we discovered a mysterious stone block hidden beneath layers of pine needles and earth. Over the years, structures crumbled, leaving only whispers of the past.
Recently, while exploring the wooded landscape, we stumbled upon something unusual—a large, square stone block. This mysterious stone block had a distinct hole on one side, a narrow slit carved into its surface, and showed signs of cracking and weathering. Located about 15-20 feet from an old well, the block seemed oddly placed, hinting at a larger story beneath the soil.
Could This Be a Lost Piece of History?
Our property has close ties to the Palestine Female Institute (PFI), a historical school for women that once stood in the area. In the 1980s, someone claimed to have located the main PFI building, but people have since forgotten its exact location. Recently, we learned that a chapel and several other structures once stood here as well. Could this block be a remnant of one of those lost buildings?
We weren’t alone in our search. Accompanying us was a woman whose ancestors had lived on this land for over a century. She had long been searching for an unmarked gravesite—a final resting place for a loved one who passed in 1915. Her grandmother claimed that this person was the only one buried on the property, but the vastness of the original family’s land made that claim seem unlikely.
The Surrounding Clues: Wells, Daffodils, and Bricks
The mysterious stone block is not the only historical marker on the property. About 100 yards away, we found another old well, surrounded by a vibrant patch of daffodils. A little farther, at roughly 200 yards, yet another well appeared—this one surrounded by a large spread of daffodils and scattered old bricks.
Daffodils often carry symbolic meaning in historical burials, particularly in the South, where people sometimes planted them to mark gravesites. The presence of these flowers near the wells and brick remnants suggests that this area may have once held structures—or something more significant. However, when compared to known layouts of PFI, these discoveries don’t perfectly align, deepening the mystery.
What Could This Block Have Been?
Speculation about the mysterious stone block’s purpose has varied. Some neighbors believe it’s simply poured concrete, possibly left over from a more modern structure. Others suggest it could be a foundation remnant, a grave marker base, or even a well cover support. The slit and hole could indicate a functional role—perhaps securing something in place.
Historical burial markers sometimes included thick, squared stone bases, which could explain its isolated presence. The block’s condition and design warrant further investigation, as it may be a key piece of evidence in uncovering the land’s past.
What’s Next? Investigating the Mystery
To solve this historical puzzle, we’re considering several research avenues:
- Material Analysis – Determining whether this mysterious stone block is cut stone or poured concrete can help date its origin.
- Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) – If this is connected to an unmarked grave, GPR could provide crucial insights.
- Historical Maps & Deeds – Searching through archives may help pinpoint past structures and burial locations.
- Local Oral Histories – Long-time residents may remember details lost to official records.
For now, the stone block in Virginia remains an unsolved enigma, offering a tangible connection to a forgotten past. Whether it belonged to a chapel, a headstone base, or something else entirely, one thing is certain: history still lingers beneath the forest floor, waiting for someone to rediscover it.