National Register of Historic Places listings in Bedford County, Virginia facts for kids
Bedford County in Virginia is home to many special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. Think of it as a special club for historic landmarks!
There are 34 different places in Bedford County that have made it onto this important list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which means it's extra special and important to the whole country. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots!
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Historic Places in Bedford County
Bedford County has many buildings and areas that tell stories from the past. These places are preserved so that future generations can learn about and appreciate their history.
Homes and Estates with History
Many of the listings are old homes and large estates that show how people lived long ago.
Avenel
Avenel is a beautiful old home located in the town of Bedford. It was added to the National Register in 1992. It's a great example of the grand houses built in the area.
John D. Ballard House
Also in Bedford, the John D. Ballard House joined the list in 1997. It's another important historic home that helps us understand the town's past.
Bellevue
Bellevue is a historic property located near Goode, Virginia. It was recognized for its historical importance in 1990.
Brook Hill Farm
Brook Hill Farm, near Forest, Virginia, was added to the list in 1997. It represents the farming history of the region.
Burks-Guy-Hagen House
The Burks-Guy-Hagen House in Bedford became a historic listing in 1985. It's another example of the unique architecture found in the area.
Bowling Eldridge House
Located near Lynchburg but still in Bedford County, the Bowling Eldridge House was listed in 1993. It's a significant part of the county's rural history.
Elk Hill
Elk Hill, found northwest of Forest, was added to the National Register in 1973. It's an important historic estate.
Fancy Farm
Fancy Farm, north of Bedford, has been a listed historic place since 1972. It's a reminder of the area's agricultural heritage.
Hope Dawn
Hope Dawn, northwest of Lynchburg, was added to the list in 1974. It's another historic property that tells a story of the past.
Liberty Hall
Liberty Hall, located in Forest, Virginia, became a historic listing in 2009. It's a significant part of the local history.
Locust Level
Near Montvale, Locust Level was added to the National Register in 1990. This property showcases the history of the western part of the county.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy, near Leesville, was recognized as a historic place in 1990. It's an important part of the county's heritage.
Old Rectory
The Old Rectory, south of Perrowville, was listed in 1973. This building likely served as a home for a church official in the past.
Otterburn
Otterburn, located near Bedford, was added to the list in 2001. It's another historic estate with a rich past.
Pleasant View
Pleasant View, in Forest, Virginia, became a historic listing in 2006. It adds to the collection of important historic homes in the area.
Poplar Forest
Poplar Forest is a very special place! It was the private retreat home of Thomas Jefferson, one of America's Founding Fathers and the third President of the United States. He designed this unique octagonal (eight-sided) house himself. It's so important that it's not just on the National Register, but it's also a National Historic Landmark since 1969. You can find it south of Lynchburg.
Rothsay
Rothsay, located in Forest, Virginia, was added to the National Register in 1992. It's another significant historic property.
Three Otters
Three Otters, west of Bedford, was listed in 1970. It's a historic site that has been preserved for its importance.
Twin Oaks Farm
Twin Oaks Farm, located in Bedford County, was added to the National Register in 2001. It represents the agricultural history of the region.
Woodbourne
Woodbourne, northeast of Forest, was listed in 1973. It's another historic property that contributes to the county's rich past.
Historic Districts and Communities
Some listings are entire areas or groups of buildings that together tell a story.
Bedford Historic District
The Bedford Historic District covers a large part of the town of Bedford. It includes many old buildings and streets that show how the town grew over time. This district was recognized in 1984.
Bellevue Rural Historic District
The Bellevue Rural Historic District, near Forest, was added to the list in 2005. This district helps protect the historic look and feel of the countryside.
Cifax Rural Historic District
The Cifax Rural Historic District, near Cifax, was listed in 1992. It's another important area that preserves the rural history of Bedford County.
Important Buildings and Structures
Beyond homes, other types of buildings and structures are also recognized for their historical value.
Bedford Historic Meetinghouse
The Bedford Historic Meetinghouse, on West Main Street in Bedford, was listed in 1978. Meetinghouses were important places for community gatherings and worship in the past.
Big Otter Mill
Big Otter Mill, located near Bedford, was added to the National Register in 1998. Mills like this were vital for grinding grain and were important centers of activity in early communities.
Elks National Home
The Elks National Home, in Bedford, became a historic listing in 2008. This large building has served as a home for members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
New London Academy
New London Academy, near Forest, was listed in 1972. This was an important early school, showing the history of education in the area.
New Prospect Church
New Prospect Church, near Bedford, was added to the National Register in 2000. Churches often serve as important historical landmarks in communities.
Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church
Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church, near Moneta, was listed in 2007. This church is an important part of the local community's history and heritage.
Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church
Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church, in Forest, Virginia, was added to the National Register in 1985. It's another historic church building.
Thomas Methodist Episcopal Chapel
Thomas Methodist Episcopal Chapel, near Thaxton, was recognized in 2004. Chapels like this played a big role in the religious and social life of early settlements.
Images for kids
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Avenel, a historic home in Bedford, Virginia.
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The John D. Ballard House.
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The Bedford County Court House, part of the Bedford Historic District.
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The Bedford Historic Meetinghouse.
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Big Otter Mill, a historic mill.
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The Burks-Guy-Hagen House in Bedford.
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The Bowling Eldridge House.
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The Elks National Home in Bedford.
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Fancy Farm, a historic site in Bedford County.
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The entrance gate to Hope Dawn.
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Locust Level, a historic home near Montvale.
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New London Academy, an old school building.
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New Prospect Church.
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Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church.
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Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's retreat home.
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Three Otters, a historic property in Bedford.
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Twin Oaks Farm in Bedford County.
