Hanover Town, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hanover Town
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Townsite with two historical markers
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| Nearest city | Mechanicsville, Virginia |
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| Area | 85 acres (34 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002122 |
| Added to NRHP | September 17, 1974 |
Hanover Town was once a busy colonial town in Hanover County, Virginia. It was located along the upper Pamunkey River. This land was first given to John Page in 1672.
Before it was called Hanover Town, the area was known as "Page's Warehouse." By 1730, a tobacco warehouse stood there. It was called "Crutchfield's" after the tobacco inspector, John Crutchfield. The town officially became a town in 1762.
British forces attacked Hanover Town during the American Revolutionary War. After the war, the river became too shallow for big boats. This caused the town to lose its importance and eventually be left empty.
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Discovering Hanover Town
Hanover Town was a settlement from the time when America was still a group of colonies ruled by Britain. It was an important place for trade and shipping. The town was built on the banks of the Pamunkey River. This river was like a highway for moving goods.
Early Beginnings
The land where Hanover Town stood was first owned by John Page. He received it in 1672. For many years, the spot was simply known as "Page's Warehouse." This tells us it was a place where goods were stored.
A Busy Tobacco Town
Tobacco was a very important crop in colonial Virginia. In 1730, a law called the Tobacco Inspection Act was passed. This law made sure tobacco was inspected before it was sold. Hanover Town became a key inspection site. The warehouse there was called "Crutchfield's" at that time. It was named after John Crutchfield, who was the tobacco inspector.
The town officially received its charter in 1762. This meant it was recognized as a proper town with its own local government. It became a center for local trade and community life.
The Town's Decline
During the American Revolutionary War, British soldiers raided Hanover Town. A raid means they attacked and took things. This caused a lot of damage and trouble for the town.
After America won its independence, Hanover Town faced another problem. The Pamunkey River began to fill with silt. Silt is like fine mud or sand that builds up. This made the river too shallow for large ships to travel easily. Without easy river access, trade slowed down. The town's importance faded, and people eventually moved away.
Remembering Hanover Town Today
Even though Hanover Town is no longer a bustling place, its history is remembered. The area where the town once stood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. It helps us learn about colonial life in Virginia.
