Van Swearingen-Shepherd House

The Van Swearingen-Shepherd House, also known as Bellevue, is a historic Colonial Revival mansion located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, overlooking the Potomac River. Built in 1773 by Thomas Van Swearingen, the house has a rich history tied to Captain Thomas Shepherd, the town's founder. It was acquired by the Shepherd family in 1900 as a wedding gift and has hosted notable figures, including William Jennings Bryan. The house features significant architectural changes, including a tetrastyle Ionic portico added in the early 20th century, making it a fascinating site for both tourists and researchers interested in American history and architecture.