National Register of Historic Places listings in Chesapeake, Virginia facts for kids
Chesapeake, Virginia, is a city with a rich history! Many important places here are protected because they tell us about the past. These special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of buildings, sites, or districts that are super important to American history.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its history, architecture, or what happened there. In Chesapeake, there are 10 such places. They include old canals, schools, and even a famous battle site. Let's explore some of these amazing historic locations!
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Exploring Chesapeake's Historic Places
Chesapeake has many cool places that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. These sites help us learn about how people lived long ago. They also show us important events that shaped the city and even the country.
Historic Waterways: Canals with a Past
Two important canals in Chesapeake are on the historic list. Canals are human-made waterways that help boats travel.
Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal Historic District
The Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal is a very old waterway. It was built to connect the Chesapeake Bay with the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. This canal was super important for trade and travel. It helped move goods like timber and farm products. It was added to the National Register in 2004.
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Dismal Swamp Canal
The Dismal Swamp Canal is another historic waterway. It runs through the Great Dismal Swamp. This canal is one of the oldest working canals in the United States! It was started way back in 1793. George Washington himself was involved in its early plans. It was listed in 1988.
Schools of the Past: Learning History
Two schools in Chesapeake are recognized for their historical importance. They tell us about education long ago.
Cornland School
The Cornland School is a special place. It was built in 1903. This school was for African American children during a time when schools were separated. It shows the history of education and the fight for equal opportunities. The school was added to the National Register in 2015.
Old Portlock School No. 5
The Old Portlock School No. 5 is another historic school building. It was built in 1915. This school also served African American students. It is a great example of early 20th-century school architecture. It reminds us of the community's efforts to provide education. This school joined the list in 2000.
Battle of Great Bridge: A Revolutionary War Site
The Battle of Great Bridge site is a very important historical spot. It was the location of a key battle during the American Revolutionary War. This battle happened on December 9, 1775. American forces won a big victory here. This win helped push British rule out of Virginia. The site was listed in 1973.
Historic Neighborhoods: Districts with Stories
Several areas in Chesapeake are recognized as historic districts. This means a whole group of buildings or an area has historical importance.
Centreville-Fentress Historic District
This district includes an area with old roads and buildings. It shows how communities grew in Chesapeake. It was listed in 2003.
Oaklette Historic District
The Oaklette area is another historic district. It's known for its older homes and community feel. It was added to the National Register in 2003.
South Norfolk Historic District
South Norfolk is a larger historic district. It has many buildings that show the history of this part of Chesapeake. It was listed in 1989.
Sunray Agricultural Historic District
This district highlights the farming history of Chesapeake. It shows how important agriculture was to the area. It was added to the list in 2007.
Wallaceton
Wallaceton is a historic area that was once a small community. It has buildings that tell the story of its past. It was listed in 1994.
These historic places help us understand Chesapeake's past. They are important reminders of the people and events that shaped the city.
