Today I have some photos of the Wilton House Museum in Richmond. This estate was originally owned by William Randolph III. It was a plantation that eventually fell to almost complete ruin due to years and years of improper management. The original “business” model was to spend lavishly to show status while disregarding the need to actually be profitable. Accruing property (including people to exploit work from) was the central focus of the plantation. Over time the debt got so high that several of Randolph’s descendants were still paying for his mistakes long after his death.
The house has been moved from it’s original location and now serves as a museum. You can take a guided tour that explains the rather disastrous history of the home in detail.
