National Register of Historic Places listings in Charlottesville, Virginia facts for kids
Charlottesville, Virginia, is a city with a rich history! It's home to many special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its unique value and efforts are made to protect it.
There are 66 places in Charlottesville that have earned a spot on this important list. These include old houses, schools, churches, factories, and even whole neighborhoods!
Contents
- What is the National Register of Historic Places?
- Historic Places in Charlottesville
- Cool Historic Buildings to Discover
- Historic Neighborhoods and Districts
- Albemarle County Courthouse Historic District
- Fifeville and Tonsler Neighborhoods Historic District
- Fry's Spring Historic District
- Martha Jefferson Historic District
- Oakhurst-Gildersleeve Neighborhood Historic District
- Ridge Street Historic District
- Rugby Road-University Corner Historic District
- Wertland Street Historic District
- Woolen Mills Village Historic District
- Historic Sculptures and Sites
- Images for kids
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service, which is part of the United States government. Being on this list helps people understand and appreciate the history of a place. It also encourages communities to preserve these special sites for future generations.
Historic Places in Charlottesville
Charlottesville has many buildings and areas that tell stories from the past. These places show how people lived, worked, and built their community over many years. From grand homes to busy factories, each spot has a unique history.
Cool Historic Buildings to Discover
Many individual buildings in Charlottesville are on the National Register. They show different styles of architecture and tell tales of the people who lived or worked there.
Abell-Gleason House
The Abell-Gleason House is a historic home located at 521 N. 1st Street. It was added to the National Register in 2001. This house is a great example of the architecture from its time.
Anderson Brothers Building
The Anderson Brothers Building at 1417-1427 University Avenue became a historic site in 1982. It's a reminder of the businesses and daily life that once thrived near the University of Virginia.
Armstrong Knitting Factory
Imagine a factory where clothes were made! The Armstrong Knitting Factory at 700 Harris Street was listed in 1982. It represents the industrial past of Charlottesville and how goods were produced.
Charlottesville Coca-Cola Bottling Works
The old Charlottesville Coca-Cola Bottling Works building, located at 722 Preston Avenue, joined the list in 2013. This building shows how popular drinks like Coca-Cola were made and bottled in the past.
Delevan Baptist Church
Churches often play a big role in a community's history. The Delevan Baptist Church at 632 W. Main Street was recognized in 1982. It's an important landmark for its historical and cultural significance.
Jefferson School, Carver Recreation Center, and School Site
This site at 233 Fourth Street, NW, is very important. The Jefferson School, Carver Recreation Center, and School Site was added in 2006. It served as a school and community center, playing a key role in the lives of many local residents.
William H. McGuffey Primary School
Another historic school, the William H. McGuffey Primary School at 201 2nd Street N.W., was listed in 2009. Schools like this are special because they shaped the education of many generations.
Mount Zion Baptist Church
The Mount Zion Baptist Church at 105 Ridge Street became a historic site in 1992. It stands as a testament to the community's faith and history.
Woolen Mills Chapel
The Woolen Mills Chapel at 1819 E. Market Street was added to the list in 1982. This chapel is part of the history of the Woolen Mills area, which was once a busy industrial village.
Historic Neighborhoods and Districts
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole group of buildings or a neighborhood. These are called "historic districts." They show how an area developed over time.
Albemarle County Courthouse Historic District
The Albemarle County Courthouse Historic District includes the Courthouse Square and nearby properties. It was first listed in 1972 and expanded in 1982. This area is the heart of Charlottesville's government and legal history.
Fifeville and Tonsler Neighborhoods Historic District
The Fifeville and Tonsler Neighborhoods Historic District was recognized in 2009. It's bounded by Cherry Avenue, the railway, 4th Street SW, and Spring Street. This district tells the story of important African American communities in Charlottesville.
Fry's Spring Historic District
The Fry's Spring Historic District became a historic area in 2014. It includes several avenues like Highland, Jefferson Park, and Monte Vista. This district shows how residential areas grew in the city.
Martha Jefferson Historic District
The Martha Jefferson Historic District was added in 2008. It includes parts of Lexington, Locust & Grove Avenues, and E. High, Maple, Sycamore, Poplar & Hazel Streets. It's another example of a neighborhood with significant historical character.
Oakhurst-Gildersleeve Neighborhood Historic District
Recognized in 2009, the Oakhurst-Gildersleeve Neighborhood Historic District includes Oakhurst Circle, Gildersleeve Wood, and other nearby streets. This area is known for its beautiful homes and historic layout.
Ridge Street Historic District
The Ridge Street Historic District covers 200-700 Ridge Street and was listed in 1982. It's an important area that shows the development of Charlottesville's residential and commercial spaces.
Rugby Road-University Corner Historic District
This district, listed in 1984, is roughly bounded by University Avenue, Wayside Place, 14th Street, and US 29. It's a lively area near the University of Virginia with many historic buildings.
Wertland Street Historic District
The Wertland Street Historic District was added in 1985. It includes Wertland Street between 10th and 14th Streets. This district showcases historic homes and buildings that contribute to the city's charm.
Woolen Mills Village Historic District
The Woolen Mills Village Historic District was recognized in 2010. It includes parts of Chesapeake, Franklin, Steephill, and E. Market Streets. This district was once a thriving mill village, a community built around a factory.
Historic Sculptures and Sites
Not all historic places are buildings or neighborhoods. Some are important sculptures or archaeological sites.
Thomas Jonathan Jackson Sculpture
The Thomas Jonathan Jackson Sculpture in Jackson Park was listed in 1997. It's a statue that represents a historical figure.
Robert Edward Lee Sculpture
Another sculpture, the Robert Edward Lee Sculpture in Lee Park, was also listed in 1997. These statues are part of the city's public art and history.
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark Sculpture
At the junction of Ridge and W. Main Streets, and McIntire Road, you can find the Meriwether Lewis and William Clark Sculpture. This sculpture, listed in 1997, honors the famous explorers.
The Foster Site
The Foster Site at 1540 Jefferson Park Avenue was added in 2016. This site is important for its archaeological findings, which can tell us about ancient cultures and early settlements.