Charles Bruce --- The Bruce family owned land in Charlotte County at least by the early 1800s. Staunton Hill, an incredible Gothic Castle overlooking the Staunton River, was built by Charles Bruce ca. 1847. The Bruces were argueably the richest and most influential family in the county. Staunton Hill is still owned by the Bruce family. In the early 1990s they operated it as a B&B and conference center, however, it has now returned to private use only. Kathy Liston 2003