National Register of Historic Places listings in Isle of Wight County, Virginia facts for kids
This article tells you about the cool historic places in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. These places are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect important buildings, sites, and areas across the United States.
There are 21 amazing spots in Isle of Wight County on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is super important! Let's explore some of these fascinating places.
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history. When a place is added to this list, it means it has a unique story to tell. It could be about how people lived long ago, big events that happened, or special ways buildings were made.
Why are these places important?
Listing a place on the National Register helps keep it safe for future generations. It encourages people to preserve these historic treasures. It also helps us learn about the past and understand how our communities grew. These places are like open-air museums, showing us what life was like many years ago.
Famous Historic Spots You Can Visit
Isle of Wight County has some truly old and interesting places. Many of these are open for you to visit and learn from.
St. Luke's Church: A Super Old Church
One of the most famous places is St. Luke's Church. It's about 4 miles south of Smithfield. This church was built way back in 1632! That makes it the oldest brick church still standing in the original thirteen U.S. states. It's also the oldest church in America started by English settlers. Imagine all the history inside those walls! It's so important that it's a National Historic Landmark.
Boykin's Tavern: A Stop for Travelers
Boykin's Tavern is another neat spot. It's located west of U.S. 258 in Isle of Wight. Taverns like this were important places where travelers could rest, eat, and stay overnight. They were also community hubs where people shared news and stories. This tavern gives us a peek into what travel was like centuries ago.
Old Isle of Wight Courthouse: Where Justice Was Served
In Smithfield, you can find the Old Isle of Wight Courthouse. It's at the corner of Main and Mason Streets. This building was where important legal decisions were made. It's a reminder of how laws and government worked in early American times. Courthouses were central to community life.
Fort Boykin and Fort Huger: Old Forts with Stories
Isle of Wight County also has two historic forts: Fort Boykin and Fort Huger. Both are near Smithfield. Fort Boykin is now a county park. These forts played a role in protecting the area during different wars. They show us how people defended their land long ago. Forts like these are important for understanding military history.
Other Important Places
Many other places in the county are also on the National Register. They include old homes, farms, and even cemeteries. Each one has its own special history.
Historic Homes and Farms
- Four Square: A historic home west of Smithfield.
- P. D. Gwaltney, Jr., House: A beautiful house on Church Street in Smithfield.
- Joseph Jordan House: Located northeast of Raynor.
- Oak Crest: A historic property near Franklin.
- Poplar Hill: Another interesting spot northwest of Smithfield.
- William Rand Tavern: An old tavern on West Main Street in Smithfield.
- Henry Saunders House: Found in Windsor.
- William Scott Farmstead: A historic farm east of Windsor.
- Robert Tynes House: On Courthouse Highway in Smithfield.
- Windsor Castle Farm: A large historic farm in Smithfield.
These homes and farms show us different styles of architecture and how people lived and worked in the past. They tell stories of families and daily life over hundreds of years.
Historic Districts and Sites
- Basses Choice-Days Point Archeological District: This area near Rushmere is important for its hidden history. Archeologists study places like this to find clues about ancient people and cultures.
- Ivy Hill Cemetery: A historic cemetery in Smithfield. Cemeteries can tell us a lot about the people who lived in an area and their customs.
- Col. Josiah Parker Family Cemetery: Another historic cemetery near Smithfield.
- Smithfield Historic District: This whole area in Smithfield is recognized for its many historic buildings and its overall old-town feel. Walking through it is like stepping back in time.
- Wolftrap Farm: This farm near Smithfield was once listed but has since been taken down. Sometimes, places are removed from the list if they change too much or are no longer there.
These places help us understand the rich history of Isle of Wight County. They remind us of the people, events, and ways of life that shaped this part of Virginia.
Images for kids
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The P. D. Gwaltney, Jr., House.
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The William Rand Tavern.
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The Henry Saunders House.
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The William Scott Farmhouse.
