List of National Historic Landmarks in Virginia facts for kids

Virginia is home to many amazing places that are super important to American history! These special spots are called National Historic Landmarks (NHLs). They are recognized by the United States government because they tell incredible stories about our country's past. Think of them like national treasures!

There are currently 123 National Historic Landmarks in Virginia, spread out across its many counties and cities. Each one has a unique tale to tell, from homes of famous presidents and inventors to battlefields where important events happened. Let's explore some of these cool places!

Amazing Historic Places in Virginia

Alexandria Historic District

The heart of Alexandria, Virginia is a historic district. It's like stepping back in time! You can see many old buildings and streets that have been around for a long time. This area shows what a busy city looked like in early America.

Aquia Church

Located in Garrisonville, Aquia Church is a beautiful church from the mid-1700s. It's a great example of the kind of churches people built way back then. It shows us how people worshipped and lived centuries ago.

Bacon's Castle

Near Bacon's Castle, Virginia, this building is one of the oldest brick homes in Virginia. It was built a very long time ago and has seen a lot of history unfold. It's a cool place to imagine life in colonial times.

Ball's Bluff Battlefield

This battlefield near Leesburg was the site of an important battle during the American Civil War. It was a tough day for the Union army early in the war. It reminds us of the sacrifices made during that conflict.

Benjamin Banneker Boundary Stone

This stone in Arlington is special because it's linked to Benjamin Banneker. He was an amazing African American surveyor, mathematician, and astronomer. He helped map out the original boundaries of Washington, D.C., in the late 1700s.

Virginia Military Institute Barracks

In Lexington, you'll find the impressive Gothic-style cadet barracks at the Virginia Military Institute. This building is a key part of one of America's oldest military colleges. It shows how cadets lived and trained.

Berkeley Plantation

Located in Charles City, Berkeley Plantation is one of Virginia's grand old plantations. It has connections to two U.S. Presidents, William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison. It's a place where important families lived.

Berry Hill Plantation

Near South Boston, Berry Hill is a stunning plantation mansion. It's built in the Greek Revival style, which means it looks a bit like ancient Greek temples! It's a beautiful example of architecture from the past.

Lower Brandon Plantation

In Burrowsville, this plantation has been cared for since 1614. Its unique brick mansion was finished in the 1760s. It's a very old and special place that shows how early American estates were built.

Bremo Historic District

This historic district in Bremo Bluff includes a plantation along the James River. The main house might have been designed by Thomas Jefferson himself! It's a beautiful example of early American design.

Bruton Parish Church

In Williamsburg, Bruton Parish Church is one of the oldest churches in the British American colonies. It was one of the first to show the English Renaissance style. It's a very important building for understanding early American church architecture.

Camden Plantation

Camden, near Port Royal, is a two-story Italian villa. It was very modern for its time in the 1800s. It had things like central heating, gas lights, and indoor toilets! It shows how homes changed over time.

Camp Hoover (Rapidan Camp)

Near Graves Mill, this was President Herbert Hoover's quiet presidential retreat. It's also known as Rapidan Camp. It was a place for presidents to relax and work away from the city.

Cape Henry Lighthouse

In Virginia Beach, the Cape Henry Lighthouse was the very first lighthouse built by the U.S. Federal Government. It's a symbol of early American efforts to make shipping safer.

Carter's Grove

This beautiful Georgian country house and plantation is near Williamsburg. It's a grand estate that shows the lifestyle of wealthy families in colonial Virginia.

Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation

Near Middletown and Strasburg, this area includes the site of the American Civil War battle of Cedar Creek. It also features the Belle Grove Plantation. It's a place where you can learn about both war and plantation life.

Christ Church (Alexandria)

This brick church in Alexandria was built in 1773 in the Georgian style. It's a historic place of worship that has stood for centuries.

Christ Church (Lancaster)

Near Irvington, this Christ Church is a great example of British Colonial church design. It shows how churches were built during the time when America was still a colony.

Old City Hall (Richmond)

In Richmond, the Old City Hall is an amazing example of the High Victorian Gothic style. It's a very detailed and impressive building that served as the city's government center.

Patsy Cline House

This house in Winchester was the childhood home of the famous country music singer, Patsy Cline. It's a special place for music fans and history lovers.

Virginia State Capitol (Confederate Capitol)

In Richmond, this building served as the meeting place for the Confederate Congress during the Civil War. It was also the state capitol before and after the war. It's a very important building in Virginia's political history.

Charles Richard Drew House

This house in Arlington was the home of Dr. Charles R. Drew. He was an African American doctor and researcher. His work on storing blood plasma saved many lives during World War II.

Drydock Number One, Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Located in Portsmouth, this drydock is where the Union ship USS Merrimack was rebuilt by the Confederates. It became the famous ironclad ship, the CSS Virginia. It's a key spot in naval history.

Egyptian Building

In Richmond, the Egyptian Building was the first permanent home for the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College. It's known for its unique Egyptian-inspired design.

Elsing Green

Near Tunstall, Elsing Green is a Georgian plantation house. It was built by Carter Braxton, an important figure in Virginia's history.

Exchange Building (Petersburg)

This two-story building in Petersburg is a great example of Greek Revival architecture. It has a grand Doric portico, which is a fancy entrance with columns.

Eyre Hall

In Cheriton, Eyre Hall is a private plantation that has been owned by the Eyre family since 1668. It's a rare example of a family holding onto their land for centuries.

Five Forks Battlefield

Near Petersburg, this was the site of the Battle of Five Forks. This battle was a major turning point in the American Civil War in 1865. It led to the end of the war soon after.

Gerald R. Ford Jr. House

This house in Alexandria was the home of President Gerald R. Ford. It's a place where a U.S. president lived before and after his time in office.

Fort Monroe

In Hampton, Fort Monroe was completed in 1834. It's a unique six-sided stone fort surrounded by a moat. It was an active Army post until 2011 and is now a National Monument.

Fort Myer Historic District

This U.S. Army post in Arlington is right next to Arlington National Cemetery. It has a long history as an important military base.

Franklin and Armfield Office

In Alexandria, this building was once the office of the largest slave trading firm in the South before the Civil War. It's a difficult but important reminder of a dark part of American history.

Gadsby's Tavern

This historic tavern in Alexandria was a very important place for social, economic, and political life in the city. Many important people visited here, including George Washington. You can visit it as the Gadsby's Tavern Museum.

Ellen Glasgow House

In Richmond, this was the home of the famous author Ellen Glasgow. She wrote many important books about life in the South.

Carter Glass House

This house in Lynchburg was a home of Carter Glass. He was a very important congressman and senator who helped shape American finance.

Green Springs Historic District

Near Zion Crossroads, this district includes many old rural manor houses and other buildings. It shows what large country estates looked like in Virginia's past.

Greenway Court

In White Post, Greenway Court was once a huge estate owned by Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron. He was the only British noble to live in America. George Washington even worked here as a surveyor!

Gunston Hall

Near Lorton, Gunston Hall was the home of George Mason. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He helped write important documents that shaped our country.

Hampton University

Located in Hampton, Hampton University started in 1868. It was a school created to train young Black men and women to become teachers. It's a very important place in the history of education and civil rights.

Hanover County Courthouse

This Georgian courthouse in Hanover Court House has been used continuously since the 1730s. It's famous because Patrick Henry argued a very important case here in 1763 about religious freedom.

Holly Knoll (Robert R. Moton House)

In Capahosic, this was the retirement home of Robert Russa Moton. He was a very important Black educator and leader.

The Homestead

In Hot Springs, The Homestead is a famous resort. It's a great example of Georgian and Colonial Revival architecture. It's been a popular place for people to visit for a long time.

Humpback Covered Bridge

Near Covington, this is the oldest covered bridge still standing in Virginia. It's a rare type of bridge called a "humpback bridge" because of its shape.

Jackson Ward Historic District

In Richmond, Jackson Ward is a historic neighborhood that was home to many African Americans. It's an important place for Black history and culture.

Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum

In Winchester, this house was where Confederate Major General Stonewall Jackson lived during the winter of 1861-1862. It's now a museum where you can learn about his life.

Kenmore Plantation

In Fredericksburg, Kenmore was the home of Fielding Lewis. It's a beautiful historic house with a lot of stories.

Lee Chapel

At Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Lee Chapel honors Robert E. Lee. He was president of the college after the Civil War. Lee is buried here.

Lightship Portsmouth

This historic lightship in Portsmouth was first used at Cape Charles, Virginia. Lightships were like floating lighthouses that helped guide ships safely.

Lunar Landing Research Facility

At Langley Research Center in Hampton, this huge crane was used to practice Apollo lunar landings. Astronauts trained here to prepare for going to the Moon!

Main Street Station and Trainshed

In Richmond, Main Street Station is a beautiful train station. It's known for its Beaux-Arts style and its unique trainshed, which is one of the last of its kind in America.

Marlbourne (Edmund Ruffin Plantation)

This property in Richmond belonged to Edmund Ruffin. He was a strong supporter of the South leaving the Union before the Civil War.

General George C. Marshall House (Dodona Manor)

In Leesburg, this was the last home of General George C. Marshall. He was a very important military leader and statesman. He called his home "Dodona Manor."

John Marshall House

In Richmond, this was the home of John Marshall. He was the 4th Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and a very important figure in American law.

Cyrus McCormick Farm and Workshop

Near Steele's Tavern, this was the home of Cyrus McCormick. He invented the mechanical reaper, a machine that changed farming forever!

Gari Melchers Home

In Falmouth, this was the home and art studio of the famous painter Gari Melchers. You can see where he lived and created his art.

Menokin

Near Warsaw, Menokin was the home of Francis Lightfoot Lee. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell House

In Middleburg, this was the home of General William "Billy" Mitchell. He was a strong supporter of military air power and believed planes would be very important in future wars.

James Monroe Law Office

In Fredericksburg, James Monroe used this building as his law office from 1786 to 1789. Monroe later became a U.S. President. It's now a museum.

James Monroe Tomb

In Richmond, you can find the tomb of President James Monroe. His tomb is known for its fancy cast iron design.

Monticello (Thomas Jefferson House)

Near Charlottesville, Monticello was the beautiful mansion of President Thomas Jefferson. He designed it himself! It's a famous example of American architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Montpelier (James Madison House)

In Orange, Montpelier was the home of President James Madison. He is known as the "Father of the Constitution."

Monument Avenue Historic District

In Richmond, Monument Avenue is a wide, tree-lined street with impressive memorials. It's a beautiful area with a lot of history.

Monumental Church

In Richmond, Monumental Church is an early Greek Revival church. It's a significant building that shows the architectural styles of its time.

Robert Russa Moton High School

In Farmville, this high school was the site of a student strike in 1951. This strike helped lead to the famous Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case, which said that "separate but equal" schools were not fair. It's now a museum.

Mount Airy

Near Warsaw, Mount Airy is a stone plantation house. It's also the burial place of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon was the plantation home of President George Washington. It's one of the most famous historic sites in America, where you can learn about the life of our first president.

Natural Bridge

Near Natural Bridge, Virginia, this is a huge natural rock arch. It was once owned by Thomas Jefferson! It's a stunning natural wonder with a rich history.

New Kent School and George W. Watkins School

These two schools in New Kent and Quinton are important because they represent the first steps to desegregate schools in the South after the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. They were central to a later Supreme Court case that helped enforce desegregation.

Oak Hill (James Monroe House)

In Leesburg, Oak Hill was another residence of President James Monroe. It's a beautiful home with a connection to a U.S. president.

Oatlands Plantation

In Leesburg, Oatlands is a notable Federal-style mansion. It was designed and built by George Carter. It's a grand estate with beautiful gardens.

Pear Valley

In Eastville, Pear Valley is an early 18th-century Chesapeake cottage. It's a small but important example of early American homes.

The Pentagon

In Arlington, The Pentagon is a huge building that is a symbol of America's military power. It's the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Petersburg Breakthrough Battlefield

In Petersburg, this was the site of a major Union breakthrough on April 2, 1865. This event led to the collapse of Confederate General Lee's defenses and the end of the Civil War soon after.

Pittsylvania County Courthouse

In Chatham, this courthouse was involved in a very important Supreme Court case in 1878. The case, Ex Parte Virginia, helped make sure that African American citizens could serve on juries.

Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine

In Pocahontas, this is an old coal mine from 1882. It was part of the important Pocahontas coalfield. You can visit it to learn about coal mining history.

Poplar Forest

Near Lynchburg, Thomas Jefferson built Poplar Forest as his quiet country retreat. It's a unique octagonal house that he designed himself.

Potomac Canal Historic District

Near Great Falls, this district includes the remains of an amazing canal built next to the Potomac River's falls. It was a huge engineering project for its time.

Prestwould

In Clarksville, Prestwould is one of the most complete and well-documented plantations still existing in Southside Virginia. It gives us a great look into the past.

Quarters 1 (Fort Myer)

In Arlington, this house has been the residence of all U.S. Army Chiefs of Staff since 1910. It's a very important home for military leaders.

Peyton Randolph House

In Williamsburg, this was the home of Peyton Randolph. He was the first President of the Continental Congress, which was a very important group during the American Revolution.

Virginia Randolph Cottage

In Glen Allen, this cottage honors Virginia E. Randolph. She was a notable Black teacher who made a big difference in education.

Rendezvous Docking Simulator

At Langley Research Center in Hampton, this trainer was used by Gemini and Apollo astronauts. They practiced how to connect spacecraft in space here!

Reynolds Homestead

In Critz, this was the home of R. J. Reynolds. He was the founder of the famous R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Ripshin Farm

In Trout Dale, Ripshin Farm was the summer home of the author Sherwood Anderson. It's a quiet retreat where he found inspiration.

Rising Sun Tavern

In Fredericksburg, this tavern was built by Charles Washington, who was the youngest brother of George Washington. It was a popular spot for travelers and locals.

The Rotunda (University of Virginia)

In Charlottesville, The Rotunda was designed by Thomas Jefferson shortly before he passed away. It's a famous building at the University of Virginia.

Sabine Hall

Near Tappahannock, Sabine Hall is an early Georgian two-story brick mansion. It's a beautiful example of architecture from that period.

St. John's Episcopal Church (Richmond)

In Richmond, Patrick Henry delivered his famous "Liberty or Death" speech here. It's a very important place in the story of American independence.

St. Luke's Church (Smithfield)

In Smithfield, St. Luke's Church is an English room church with Gothic details. It's a unique and old church that shows different architectural styles.

St. Peter's Parish Church

In New Kent, this Episcopal church from 1703 might be where George and Martha Washington were married!

Saratoga (Boyce)

Near Boyce, Saratoga is a gray limestone Georgian house. It was built by Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan, who was famous for his victory at the Battle of Cowpens in 1781.

Sayler's Creek Battlefield

Near Farmville, this was the site of the Battle of Sayler's Creek on April 6, 1865. A quarter of Lee's army was cut off here, just three days before the surrender at Appomattox.

Scotchtown (Patrick Henry House)

Near Ashland, Scotchtown is a large plantation house. It was the childhood home of Dolley Madison and later a home of Patrick Henry, who famously said, "Give me liberty, or give me death!"

James Semple House

In Williamsburg, this house was likely designed by Thomas Jefferson. President John Tyler also lived here when he was a student.

Shack Mountain

In Charlottesville, Shack Mountain was the home of Fiske Kimball. He was an author who wrote a famous book about Thomas Jefferson as an architect.

Shirley Plantation

Near Hopewell, Shirley Plantation is the oldest plantation in Virginia. It has been continuously operated for centuries by the same family.

Skyline Drive Historic District

Near Luray, Skyline Drive is a beautiful road that winds through Shenandoah National Park. It offers amazing views of the mountains and valleys.

Spence's Point (John Roderigo Dos Passos House)

In Westmoreland, Spence's Point was the farm home of the writer John Roderigo Dos Passos. He was a famous American author.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop

In Alexandria, this shop is a historic apothecary (an old-fashioned pharmacy). It's like a time capsule showing how medicines were made and sold long ago.

Stratford Hall Plantation

In Lerty, Stratford Hall is a great example of early Georgian architecture. It's also the birthplace of Robert E Lee, a famous Confederate general.

Thoroughgood House

In Virginia Beach, the Thoroughgood House is one of the oldest brick houses in Virginia. It was built by a descendant of Adam Thoroughgood.

Thunderbird Archeological District

Near Limeton, this district contains three important archeological sites. These sites help us learn about ancient people who lived in Virginia thousands of years ago.

Tredegar Iron Works

In Richmond, Tredegar Iron Works was one of the largest iron factories from 1841 to 1865. It was very important for making weapons and supplies during the Civil War.

Tuckahoe Plantation

Near Manakin, Tuckahoe Plantation was owned by the Randolph family. It was also the home of President Thomas Jefferson for seven years when he was a boy.

Sherwood Forest Plantation (John Tyler House)

In Charles City, Sherwood Forest was the home of President John Tyler. It's known for being the longest frame house in America.

University Of Virginia Historic District

In Charlottesville, this district includes Thomas Jefferson's original "academical village" and The Rotunda. It's a beautiful and historic college campus.

Variable Density Tunnel

At Langley Research Center in Hampton, this steel tank was part of a special wind tunnel. It was used to test aircraft designs.

Virginia Governor's Mansion

In Richmond, this is the official residence of the Governor of Virginia. It's a historic home where the state's leaders have lived for many years.

Virginia Military Institute Historic District

In Lexington, this district covers the campus of the Virginia Military Institute. It was the first state-supported military college in the country.

Maggie Lena Walker House

In Richmond, this was the home of Maggie Lena Walker. She was the first woman in America to start a bank! Her home is now a National Historic Site.

Washington and Lee University Historic District

In Lexington, this district includes the beautiful Neoclassical buildings of Washington & Lee University. It's known as one of the most dignified college campuses.

George Washington Boyhood Home Site (Ferry Farm)

In Fredericksburg, this site is known as Ferry Farm. It's where George Washington spent his childhood.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

In Alexandria, this is one of the largest private memorials dedicated to George Washington. It shows the involvement of many Founding Fathers in the Masonic group.

Waterford Historic District

In Waterford, this is a picturesque village and the oldest settlement in Loudoun County. It's a charming place that looks much like it did long ago.

Westover Plantation

In Charles City, Westover Plantation is the ancestral home of the Byrd family. It's a beautiful example of a grand colonial estate.

White House of the Confederacy

In Richmond, this was the residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis during the Civil War.

Wickham-Valentine House

In Richmond, the Wickham House is considered one of Richmond's finest Federal-style homes. It's a beautiful example of architecture from the early 1800s.

Williamsburg Historic District (Colonial Williamsburg)

In Williamsburg, this historic district was the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1799. It's now a living history museum called Colonial Williamsburg, where you can experience life as it was centuries ago.

Woodlawn

In Alexandria, Woodlawn is a very important property for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It's a beautiful historic home with a rich past.

Woodrow Wilson Birthplace

In Staunton, this is the birthplace of President Thomas Woodrow Wilson. It's now his presidential library, where you can learn about his life and presidency.

Wren Building, College of William and Mary

In Williamsburg, the Wren Building is a historic building at the College of William and Mary. It's one of the oldest college buildings in the United United States.

Wythe House

In Williamsburg, the Wythe House is one of Virginia's best Georgian brick townhouses. It was the home of George Wythe, an important legal scholar and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Yeocomico Church

In Tucker Hill, Yeocomico Church is a significant example of Colonial architecture that was changing styles.

Former National Historic Landmarks

Sometimes, a historic landmark might lose its special status. This usually happens if the place is changed too much or is no longer there. Here are two former National Historic Landmarks in Virginia:

• Eight-Foot High Speed Tunnel: This tunnel in Hampton was used for testing aircraft. It was removed in 2014.
• Full Scale 30- by 60-Foot Tunnel: Also in Hampton, this was another large wind tunnel used for research. It was also removed in 2014.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Virginia
• United States National Park Service areas in Virginia
• List of National Historic Landmarks by state