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

A map showing where Hanover County is in Virginia

This page lists special places in Hanover County, Virginia that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. This register is like a national list of important buildings, sites, and districts that are worth saving because of their history or unique design. These places tell us a lot about the past of Hanover County and the United States.

You can even find these places on an online map if their exact location (latitude and longitude) is shared. Hanover County has 44 places on this list, and three of them are even more special! They are called National Historic Landmarks, which means they are super important to the history of the entire country.

Important Historic Landmarks

Some places in Hanover County are so important that they are recognized as National Historic Landmarks. These sites have played a big role in American history.

Hanover County Courthouse

The historic Hanover County Courthouse

The Hanover County Courthouse is a very old and important building located where U.S. Route 301 meets Route 1006. It was built in 1735 and is one of the oldest courthouses still in use in the United States. Many famous people, like Patrick Henry, argued important cases here, especially about freedom before the American Revolution. This courthouse is a National Historic Landmark because of its role in early American law and politics.

Edmund Ruffin Plantation (Marlbourne)

This historic plantation, also known as Marlbourne, is located about 11 miles northeast of Richmond, Virginia on U.S. Route 360. It was the home of Edmund Ruffin, a famous farmer and writer from the 1800s. He was known for his work in improving farming methods, especially by using marl (a type of soil) to make land more fertile. The plantation is a National Historic Landmark because of its connection to agricultural history and Ruffin's important ideas.

Scotchtown (Patrick Henry House)

Scotchtown, the home of Patrick Henry

Scotchtown is located about 10 miles northwest of Ashland, Virginia. This historic house was once the home of Patrick Henry, one of America's Founding Fathers. He lived here from 1771 to 1777, during the time leading up to the American Revolution. It's where he prepared some of his famous speeches, like "Give me liberty or give me death!" Scotchtown is a National Historic Landmark because it was the home of such an important figure in American independence.

Other Notable Historic Sites

Beyond the National Historic Landmarks, many other places in Hanover County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These sites include old towns, churches, schools, and homes that tell different stories about the area's past.

Ashland Historic District

The Ashland Amtrak Station, part of the historic district

The Ashland Historic District covers a large area in the town of Ashland, Virginia. This district includes many streets like Center, Racecourse, James, and Howard. It was recognized in 1983 for its collection of historic buildings, many of which date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The district shows the growth of Ashland as a railroad town and a college town.

Ashland UDC Jefferson Davis Highway Marker

The Jefferson Davis Highway Marker

This marker is located at the junction of Cedar Lane and the Washington Highway near Glen Allen, Virginia. It's a historical marker placed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) to mark the Jefferson Davis Highway. This highway was a network of roads named after Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. The marker was added to the register in 2013.

Beaverdam Depot

The old Beaverdam Depot

The Beaverdam Depot is an old train station located in Beaverdam, Virginia. It sits along the C&O Railroad tracks. This depot was an important part of the community, helping people and goods travel by train. It was listed in 1988, showing its importance to the history of transportation and local life in Beaverdam.

Church Quarter

Church Quarter, a historic home

Church Quarter is a historic property located at 12432 Old Ridge Road in Doswell, Virginia. This site was added to the National Register in 2000. It represents the older homes and farms that were common in Hanover County's history.

Cold Harbor National Cemetery

Graves at Cold Harbor National Cemetery

The Cold Harbor National Cemetery is a solemn place located near Mechanicsville, Virginia. It is a burial ground for soldiers who died in the American Civil War, especially during the Battle of Cold Harbor in 1864. This cemetery was listed in 1995 and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.

Cool Well

The historic Cool Well property

Cool Well is a historic home located at 8198 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville, Virginia. This property was added to the National Register in 2007. It is an example of the kind of homes built in the area long ago and helps us understand the architectural styles of the past.

Dewberry

The Dewberry house

Dewberry is a historic property located about a mile northeast of the junction of Virginia Routes 738 and 601, near Beaverdam, Virginia. It was listed in 1996. This site is another example of the historic homes and farms that make up the rich history of Hanover County.

Fork Church

The historic Fork Church

Fork Church is an old church located at the junction of Routes 738 and 685, near Ashland, Virginia. This church was built in the 1700s and has a long history. It was added to the National Register in 1970, showing its importance as a place of worship and community gathering for centuries.

Hanover County Courthouse Historic District

Hanover Tavern, part of the historic district

The Hanover County Courthouse Historic District includes the area around the famous Hanover County Courthouse on U.S. Route 301. This district was listed in 1971. It includes not just the courthouse but also other historic buildings nearby, like the Hanover Tavern, which together form an important historical center.

Hanover Meeting House

The open-air Hanover Meeting House

The Hanover Meeting House is located at 6411 Heatherwood Drive in Mechanicsville, Virginia. This site is very important because it was the location of the first non-Anglican church in Virginia. This means it was a place where people who weren't part of the official Church of England could worship freely. It was listed in 1991, highlighting its role in religious freedom in early America.

Hanover Wayside

The Hanover Wayside picnic area

Hanover Wayside is a historic district located at 8225 Hanover Wayside Road in Hanover, Virginia. It was added to the National Register in 2002. This area likely served as a resting spot or a place for travelers to stop, showing how roads and travel developed over time.

Oakley Hill

The historic Oakley Hill house

Oakley Hill is a historic property located on the south side of Virginia Route 156, west of its junction with Virginia Route 643, near Mechanicsville, Virginia. It was listed in 1994. This site is another example of the historic homes that contribute to the rich heritage of Hanover County.

Oak Forest

The Oak Forest home

Oak Forest is a historic home located at 7400 Rural Point Road in Mechanicsville, Virginia. This property was added to the National Register in 1999. It represents the architectural styles and way of life from past eras in the county.

Randolph-Macon College Buildings

Buildings at Randolph-Macon College

The historic buildings on the campus of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia were listed on the National Register in 1979. This college is one of the oldest in Virginia and has many beautiful and historic buildings that have been part of its long educational history.

Richmond National Battlefield Park

A map of the Battle of Cold Harbor, part of the Battlefield Park

The Richmond National Battlefield Park covers several important Civil War battlefields located east of Richmond, Virginia. Parts of this park are in Hanover County. It was listed in 1966 and preserves sites where major battles took place, helping us remember and learn about the Civil War.

Rural Plains

Rural Plains, a historic house

Rural Plains is a historic property located about 6 miles north of Mechanicsville, Virginia. It was added to the National Register in 1975. This site is known for its historical significance, possibly related to the Civil War or early settlement in the area.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

St. Paul's Episcopal Church is located at the southwest corner of the junction of U.S. Route 301 and Virginia Route 54 in Hanover, Virginia. This church was listed in 1994 and is an important part of the religious and community history of the area.

Selwyn

The Selwyn house

Selwyn is a historic property located at 6279 Powhite Farm Drive in Mechanicsville, Virginia. It was added to the National Register in 2003. This site helps preserve the architectural heritage of Hanover County.

Slash Church

The historic Slash Church

Slash Church is an old church located north of the junction of Virginia Routes 656 and 657, near Ashland, Virginia. This church was listed in 1972 and is known for its unique history and architecture, being one of the oldest wooden churches in Virginia.

Sycamore Tavern

The Sycamore Tavern

Sycamore Tavern is a historic building located west of U.S. Route 33 in Montpelier. It was added to the National Register in 1974. Taverns like this were important stopping points for travelers in earlier times, offering food, drink, and a place to rest.

The Tavern at Old Church

This historic tavern is located at 3350-3360 Old Church Road in Mechanicsville, Virginia. It was listed in 2016. Like Sycamore Tavern, this building played a role in the travel and social life of the community in the past.

Trinity Church

This church is located at the junction of Virginia Routes 738 and 658 in Beaverdam, Virginia. Trinity Church was added to the National Register in 1990, recognizing its historical and architectural value to the community.

Virginia Industrial Home School for Colored Girls

This historic site is located at 11391 Barrett Center Road in Mechanicsville, Virginia. It was listed in 2016. This school played a role in the education and social history of African American girls in Virginia during a time of segregation.

Images for kids

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  Church Quarter

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  Cool Well

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  Dewberry

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  Oakley Hill

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  Oak Forest

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  Selwyn