The Litz Mansion Room #8 - The Colonel May Room

This beautiful historic mansion was constructed in 1859 by John Warfield Johnston, a Virginia Senator, and Judge of Tazewell County. The home is situated on a 3.16-acre lot and is conveniently located within walking distance of the Tazewell Main Street area. The Johnston family was very well known in Virginia for their achievements and built the home to display these accomplishments.

John, his wife Nicketti and son George lived in the home until it was purchased by John C. Hopkins and wife Elizabeth during the Civil War. Following the war, Colonel Andrew Jackson May (“Jack”) purchased the home. Jack May was thought of as one of Tazewell County’s best known military heroes who played a significant role in the Civil War and helped retain control of the Virginia-Tennessee Railroad. May lived in the mansion with first wife Matilda May, who sadly passed away. Jack remarried Nelle Bly and had a son Colonel May. Nelle remained in the home and turned it into a school for a couple of years before it was sold to the longest owners on record, A.Z. Litz and wife Etta V. Stauber.

While the mansion has changed ownership over the years, John Warfield Johnston’s home of grandeur remains the same over 160 years later!
Room #8 - The Colonel May Room (Shared Bathroom)

The Colonel May room is dedicated to the youngest son of Andrew Jackson and Nelle May. Andrew named his son “Colonel” in hopes to pass along some of the luster and reputation of his own name. This room is fit for a Colonel and styled for one too. With all the furnishings being dark, rich mahogany, and walnut. A favorite talking piece of this room is the beautiful stone capped foot boards. And of course, the guests who stay in this room are in love with the upper porch located just a few steps outside the room door, perfect for enjoying and relaxing.