Centre Hill Museum facts for kids
|
Centre Hill
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
.jpg)
Center Hill in 2005
|
|
 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Center Hill Lane, Petersburg, Virginia |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1823 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Greek Revival transitional |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001514 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1972 |
Centre Hill Mansion, also known as Centre Hill Museum, is a historic home in Petersburg, Virginia. It was finished in 1823 by Robert Bolling IV, a hero from the American Revolutionary War. The Bolling family was very important and owned this land for a long time. During the American Civil War and the time after, called the Reconstruction Era, Centre Hill was used as a Union Army headquarters. A famous meeting even happened here in 1865 between a Union general and President Abraham Lincoln. Later, President William Howard Taft also visited the property. Today, Centre Hill is a museum that opened its doors in the 1950s, letting visitors explore its rich past.
Contents
The Story of Centre Hill Mansion
Building a Grand Home
Centre Hill Mansion was built in 1823 by Robert Bolling IV. He was a veteran who fought in the American Revolutionary War. The house was later updated around the 1840s by Robert Buckner Bolling. It is a large, two-story brick house with five sections.
Architectural Styles
The mansion shows off three different American architectural styles. The front of the house has a beautiful porch. This porch is in the Greek Revival style. It has a flat roof and six tall columns. Inside, you can see more Greek Revival designs. There are also parts that show the older Federal style and the newer Colonial Revival style.
A Hidden Tunnel
During the 1840s renovation, a secret tunnel was built. This tunnel went from the back of the house to nearby Henry Street. It was used by enslaved people to carry food and other items in and out of the house.
A Historic Landmark
Centre Hill Mansion was recognized as an important historical place in 1972. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion is also part of the larger Centre Hill Historic District.
Famous Visitors and Movie Magic
Presidents at Centre Hill
Centre Hill Mansion has welcomed two United States Presidents. In April 1865, President Abraham Lincoln visited Petersburg. He spoke to Union soldiers who were staying at the mansion. Years later, in May 1909, President William Howard Taft was a guest at Centre Hill.
Centre Hill on Screen
This historic mansion has also been featured in movies and TV shows! It was used as a filming location for the TV movie Killing Lincoln. The mansion also served as the Green family home in the PBS drama series Mercy Street (TV series).
Spooky Stories and Legends
Ghostly March
Some people say that Centre Hill Mansion is home to ghosts! Every year on January 24, a strange event is reported. The ghosts of American Civil War soldiers are said to march up the stairs at 7:30 p.m. About twenty minutes later, they march back down. Then, they leave the house, and the front door slams shut behind them!
The Lady in White
Neighbors have also shared stories of seeing a "Lady in White." This mysterious figure is often reported standing at an upstairs window.
Ghost Watch Event
Because of these spooky tales, the museum hosts a special "Ghost Watch" event. It happens every year on January 24, inviting people to experience the legends for themselves.
