National Register of Historic Places listings in Charles City County, Virginia facts for kids

Location of Charles City County in Virginia

Welcome to Charles City County, Virginia! This special place is full of history, and many of its important buildings and sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of this register as a national list of places that are super important to American history, architecture, or archeology. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its value and efforts are made to protect it.

In Charles City County, you'll find 29 amazing properties and districts on this list. Four of these are even more special, called National Historic Landmarks. These landmarks are considered the most important historic places in the entire country!

Amazing Historic Places in Charles City County

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a hall of fame for historic sites across the United States. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a building, site, or even a whole neighborhood is added to this list, it means it has a unique story to tell about our past. It could be important because of its age, its design, or because famous people lived there or important events happened there. Being on the list helps protect these places and sometimes offers help for their upkeep.

Famous Landmarks You Can Find Here

Charles City County is home to four National Historic Landmarks. These are truly special places that played a big role in American history.

• Berkeley Plantation: This historic plantation is famous for many reasons. It's where the first Thanksgiving in America was held in 1619, and it was also the home of two U.S. Presidents, Benjamin Harrison V and William Henry Harrison. It became a National Historic Landmark on November 11, 1971.
• Shirley Plantation: This is the oldest active plantation in Virginia, meaning the same family has owned it for over 11 generations! It's known for its beautiful architecture and long history. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark on October 1, 1969.
• Sherwood Forest Plantation: This grand home was the residence of the 10th U.S. President, John Tyler. He loved this place so much that he named it Sherwood Forest, after the legendary home of Robin Hood. It was made a National Historic Landmark on October 15, 1966.
• Westover Plantation: This beautiful plantation sits right on the James River. It was the home of William Byrd II, who founded the city of Richmond. It's famous for its stunning Georgian architecture. It joined the list of National Historic Landmarks on October 15, 1966.

Other Cool Historic Sites

Besides the National Historic Landmarks, Charles City County has many other fascinating places on the National Register of Historic Places. These sites are important for different reasons, showing us what life was like long ago.

Plantations and Homes

Many of the listed sites are historic plantations and homes, each with its own unique story.

• Belle Air Plantation: This historic home was listed on July 18, 1974.
• Dogham, Doggams: This property was added to the register on September 24, 1999.
• Edgewood Plantation and Harrison's Mill: Listed on February 10, 1983, this site includes a historic plantation and an old mill.
• Evelynton: This plantation was listed on August 17, 1989.
• Glebe of Westover Parish: This historic glebe house, where a minister once lived, was listed on June 5, 1975.
• Greenway: This site was added to the register on November 12, 1969.
• Hardens: This property was listed on February 10, 1983.
• Kittiewan: This historic home was recognized on December 28, 1979.
• Margots: This site was listed on August 17, 1973.
• Mount Stirling: This property was added to the register on February 4, 1993.
• Nance-Major House and Store: This building, which served as both a home and a store, was listed on August 16, 2006.
• North Bend Plantation: This plantation was added to the register on August 21, 1989.
• Piney Grove: This historic site was listed on November 26, 1985.
• Poplar Springs: This property was recognized on August 30, 1994.
• Upper Shirley: Listed on October 29, 1982, this is another historic property in the area.
• Upper Weyanoke: This site was added to the register on December 9, 1980.
• Westover Church: This historic church, near Westover Plantation, was listed on December 5, 1972.
• Woodburn: This property was recognized on December 12, 1978.

Important Historical Spots

Some listings are not just buildings but important historical areas or sites.

• Lott Cary Birth Site: This site marks the birthplace of Lott Cary, an important African American minister and colonist who helped establish Liberia. It was listed on July 30, 1980.
• Charles City County Courthouse: The historic courthouse, where local government and legal matters have been handled for centuries, was listed on November 12, 1969.
• Eppes Island: This historic district, located on the James River, was listed on November 12, 1969.
• Fort Pocahontas: This site was a Union Army fort during the American Civil War. It was listed on July 27, 1999.
• Weyanoke: This historic district was added to the register on March 10, 1980.

Archeological Sites

Some places are listed because they hold important clues about ancient times, often found through archeological digs.

• Dancing Point: This site was listed on April 8, 2016. Its exact location is kept private to protect any artifacts.
• Aaron Hilton Site: This archeological site was listed on February 21, 1997. Its location is also restricted to protect its historical value.

A Place That Was Once Listed

Sometimes, a property might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if it's no longer considered historically significant, or if it's damaged beyond repair.

• The Rowe: This property was listed on March 28, 1980, but was later removed from the register on June 4, 2008.

Images for kids

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  Berkeley Plantation, a National Historic Landmark.

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  The historic Charles City County Courthouse.

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  Evelynton, a historic plantation.

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  The Glebe of Westover Parish.

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  Greenway Plantation.

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  Kittiewan Plantation House.

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  Shirley Plantation, a National Historic Landmark.

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  Sherwood Forest Plantation, home of President John Tyler.

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  Westover Plantation, a National Historic Landmark.

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  Westover Church.

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  Weyanoke, a historic district.