Stewart/Mayo House completely destroyed by afternoon fire

Louisa Fire Department responded Sunday afternoon to a fire call on East Main Street, where a fire destroyed what was likely Louisa’s oldest standing structure. 

The fire department was called to the scene across from the downtown Inez Deposit bank around 2pm Sunday afternoon after reports that the unoccupied home, commonly known as the Stewart house or Mayo House, was on fire.

Crews worked for several hours to control the blaze to prevent it from spreading to neighboring houses. 

The Historic Stewart/Mayo house was built between 1846 and 1847 by Zattu Cushing, making it one of, if not the oldest structure in Louisa. The house had been unoccupied and in poor shape for several decades. 

Research online detailing the houses’ long history includes a period in which it was commandeered by the Union Army during the civil war for use as a hospital and place to retain prisoners.

After the war, the house went through a long list of owners, ending up with present owners, the Clevenger family of Louisa. 

At this time, the fire department is unavailable for comment as they are still on the scene containing the blaze, no word on the cause of the fire, however, it can be noted that the home was unoccupied with no electricity service attached to the home. 

Official fire report from Chief Eddie Preston coming later. (Lazer photos by Jason Helton)

See more historical information on the Stewart home HERE