Battersea (Petersburg, Virginia) facts for kids
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Battersea
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Battersea, HABS Photo
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1289 Upper Appomattox St., Petersburg, Virginia |
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| Area | 37 acres (15 ha) |
| Built | c. 1768 |
| Architectural style | Anglo-Palladian |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000344 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 12, 1969 |
Battersea is a beautiful old house located in Petersburg, Virginia. It sits right by the Appomattox River. This historic home was built way back in 1768.
It was originally built for Colonel John Banister. He was a very important person in early American history. Battersea is known for its special design, called the Palladian style.
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What is Battersea?
Battersea is a large, historic home. It was part of a big property called a plantation. Plantations were large farms where people lived and worked. Battersea was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. This means it's a very important historical site.
Who Was John Banister?
John Banister (1734–1788) was the first mayor of Petersburg. He was also a colonel in the Revolutionary War. This was the war where America fought for its independence.
Banister was a key figure in Virginia's government. He was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. He also represented Virginia in the Continental Congress. This was a group of leaders from the American colonies. He helped create important documents like the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Articles of Confederation.
What Does Battersea Look Like?
Battersea is built in the Palladian style. This style comes from old European designs. It often features a main building with smaller sections on each side.
- The main part of Battersea has two stories and a pyramid-shaped roof.
- On each side, there are one-story sections that connect to other buildings.
- At the very ends, there are taller, 1 1/2-story buildings.
This design makes Battersea look very balanced and grand. It was built to fit the way people lived in colonial America.
Other Buildings at Battersea
Besides the main house, Battersea has other old buildings. These include a greenhouse and a kitchen. The kitchen might have also been used for laundry and as living space for servants.
The greenhouse is very special. It was built between 1825 and 1835. This makes it almost 190 years old! It's rare to find such an old greenhouse still standing today.
Nearby, you can also see the ruins of Bannister's Mill. This was a gristmill built in 1732. It was part of the original Battersea property.
What is the Battersea Foundation?
Battersea has been privately owned since 2006. In 2011, a group called the Battersea Foundation bought it. This foundation is a nonprofit organization.
Their main goal is to protect and preserve Historic Battersea. They also want to offer fun and educational experiences for everyone. They host many events at Battersea throughout the year. These events help people learn about history, art, and culture.
