WARREN COUNTY In the days of America's founding fathers, many structures were not built to stand the test of time and as such have been renovated or remodeled as the years press on. One example of a local homestead that lasted over 270 years to preserve the history of this area was the McKay house.

COURTESY PHOTO Original structure

The equipment seen here does not come with the engine when purchased; each hose is purchased separately.

"Warren County Fire and Rescue units responded to a reported abandoned structure fire on Sunday morning at the historic Robert McKay, Jr. House at 8378 Winchester Road," said Warren County Fire and Rescue Chief Richard Mabie in a press release. "The house was jointly owned by the Town of Front Royal and the County of Warren. While the house had been added on to several times over the years, the original house dates back to 1734 and is considered the oldest house in Warren County."

Robert McKay was one of the very first settlers of what is today Warren County, according to Patrick Farris, executive director of the Warren Heritage Society.

"A Scots-Irish Quaker from central Maryland, McKay came to the Shenandoah Valley in 1731 as the leader of several Quaker families who took up land as part of the famous Joist Hite land grant purchase," said Farris. "McKay built his house and organized the construction of the McKay Quaker Meeting House, the first house of worship constructed in what is now Warren County, the foundation of which still exists and is part of a newer church building in Cedarville."

The house had been constructed in two sections, the log section on the north side and the limestone section on the south side.

"Built atop a hill in the bend of Crooked Run and nearby McKay Spring, the homestead survived as a family home and more recently as a rental for over 270 years. It was standing by 1734, but some records indicate it could have been built as early as 1731. The discrepancy could be accounted for by the two distinct sections of the home - one log, one stone - which could have been built in intervals," Farris said. "The Robert McKay House is not only the oldest house still standing in Warren County, but one of only a handful of structures of its age west of the Blue Ridge in Virginia. It is the sincere hope of the Warren Heritage Society that the County and Town, who jointly purchased and own the property, will commit to preserving the stone section of the home which still stands."

Firefighters arrived on Sunday to find the fire was well involved throughout the frame of the structure and indoors.

"Damage estimates are between $60,000 to $75,000 which does not include any historical values," said Mabie. "At this time, the fire is under investigation by the Warren County Fire and Rescue Department with assistance from Warren County Sheriffs Office and Front Royal Police Department." Once the flames were doused firefighters diligently stayed on scene until all hot spots were cooled and there was no chance of the blaze reigniting.

COURTESY PHOTO
Firefighters found the McKay house engulfed.