National Register of Historic Places listings in Grayson County, Virginia facts for kids
Grayson County, Virginia, is home to some amazing historic places! These special spots are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a Hall of Fame for buildings, farms, and areas that are really important to American history. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting so future generations can learn from it.
In Grayson County, there are seven places that have earned a spot on this important list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher honor! Let's explore some of these cool historical sites.
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Historic Places in Grayson County
Stephen G. Bourne House
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The Stephen G. Bourne House is a beautiful old home located in Fries. It was built a long time ago and shows us what homes looked like in the past. This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 2004. It's a great example of the architecture and lifestyle from its time.
Brookside Farm and Mill
Imagine a place where people lived and worked, grinding grain into flour! That's what Brookside Farm and Mill was like. Located near Independence, this site includes both a historic farmhouse and a mill. It tells the story of how people lived and made a living from farming in the past. It became a historic site on November 16, 2005.
Fries Boarding Houses
In the town of Fries, you can find two old boarding houses at 362 and 364 Grayson Street. Boarding houses were like early hotels or shared homes where workers, especially those from local mills, could live. These houses are important because they show us how communities grew around industries and how people lived during those times. They were added to the list on October 29, 2007.
Grayson County Courthouse
The Grayson County Courthouse, found on Main Street in Independence, is a very important building. Courthouses are where local laws are made and justice is served. This building has been a central part of the county's government and community life for many years. It was recognized as a historic place on January 26, 1978.
Old Grayson County Courthouse and Clerk's Office
Before the current courthouse, there was an even older one! The Old Grayson County Courthouse and Clerk's Office is located near the junction of Greenville and Justice Roads in Galax. This building served the county for many years and holds a lot of history within its walls. It was added to the National Register on February 21, 1997, preserving its story for everyone.
Ripshin Farm (National Historic Landmark)
Ripshin Farm is a very special place near Troutdale. It's not just on the National Register; it's also a National Historic Landmark! This means it's considered one of the most important historic places in the entire country. Ripshin Farm was once the home of a famous American writer named Sherwood Anderson. He lived and wrote here, and the farm gives us a glimpse into his life and the beautiful landscape that inspired him. It received its landmark status on September 22, 1971.
Spring Valley Rural Historic District
The Spring Valley Rural Historic District isn't just one building; it's a whole area! It includes Spring Valley, Liberty Hill, and Leafwood Roads in the Spring Valley community near Fries. This district is important because it shows how rural communities in Virginia developed over time, with their farms, homes, and landscapes. It helps us understand the history of farming and community life in the region. This district was added to the National Register on March 1, 2011.
