Centre Hill Museum facts for kids
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Centre Hill
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Center Hill in 2005
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Center Hill Lane, Petersburg, Virginia |
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| 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 |
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| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1972 |
Centre Hill Museum, also known as Centre Hill Mansion, is a historic house in Petersburg, Virginia. It was finished in 1823. A veteran of the American Revolutionary War, Robert Bolling IV, built this grand home. The Bolling family was very important in the area for many years. They even received land in Petersburg from the King of England long ago.
During the time after the American Civil War, Centre Hill was used as a headquarters for the Union Army. In 1865, a Union general met with President Abraham Lincoln inside the house. Later, President William Howard Taft also visited the property. Centre Hill opened its doors as a museum in the 1950s, allowing visitors to explore its history.
Discovering Centre Hill's History
The Centre Hill Mansion was built in 1823 by Robert Bolling IV. He was a soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War. The house was later updated in the 1840s by Robert Buckner Bolling. It is a large, two-story brick house. It has a special style called Greek Revival architecture. This style often includes features like tall columns.
Around 1850, an east wing was added to the house. The front of the mansion has a flat-roofed porch. This porch is supported by six large Ionic order columns. These columns are a classic part of Greek Revival design.
In 1972, Centre Hill was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site. The mansion is also part of the larger Centre Hill Historic District.
Today, the house shows three different American architectural styles. The front of the mansion has a strong Greek Revival look with its columns. Inside, you can see Greek Revival decorations. There are also parts that show the early Federal style and later Colonial Revival style.
During the 1840s updates, a tunnel was built. This tunnel went from the back of the house to nearby Henry Street. It was used to help move food and other supplies in and out of the house.
Famous Visitors and Filming at Centre Hill
Centre Hill Mansion has hosted some very important people. President Abraham Lincoln visited Petersburg in April 1865. He spoke to Union soldiers who were staying at the mansion. Years later, President William Howard Taft was a guest in May 1909.
The mansion has also been a filming location for TV shows and movies. It was used as a set for the TV movie Killing Lincoln. This movie was about the assassination of President Lincoln.
Centre Hill Mansion also served as the Green family home in the PBS drama Mercy Street (TV series). This TV series was set during the Civil War.
Mysteries and Legends of Centre Hill
Like many old houses, Centre Hill has its own spooky stories! People say that every year on January 24, something strange happens. The ghosts of American Civil War soldiers are said to march up the stairs at 7:30 p.m.
About twenty minutes later, these ghostly figures supposedly march back down the stairs. Then, they leave the house, slamming the front door behind them.
Neighbors have also reported seeing a "Lady in White." She is said to stand at an upstairs window.
Because of these stories, the museum hosts a special "Ghost Watch" event every year on January 24. People can visit and see if they can experience any of the mysterious events themselves!
