In spite of the 1993 fire, the east chimney remained standing. Still carved in it were the initials of several Robinson family members. Some initials may belong to one of the sons who were taken out of the state when they were sold as slaves.

According to family tradition, one of James Robinson’s sons walked from Louisiana to the family home in Virginia after emancipation.

Although the chimney was ultimately dismantled due to structural instability, it had defied time and arson. It stood like the Robinson family itself, as a symbol of strength and perseverance.