National Register of Historic Places listings in James City County, Virginia facts for kids
This article is about special places in James City County, Virginia, United States, that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This register is like a special list of buildings, sites, and districts that are important to American history.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical, architectural, or archaeological importance. It helps protect these places so people can learn from them for many years to come. In James City County, there are 19 places on this list, including one called a National Historic Landmark. A National Historic Landmark is an even more important site!
You can often find these places on a map using their special location coordinates. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots!
Exploring James City County's Historic Treasures
James City County is full of history, from early American settlements to important plantations. The National Register of Historic Places helps us remember and protect these important sites.
Historic Homes and Plantations
Many of the listed places are old homes or plantations. These sites often tell stories about how people lived long ago.
Carter's Grove: A Grand Old House
Carter's Grove is a famous Georgian-style country house near Williamsburg. It was built a long time ago and was once a large plantation. It's so important that it's considered a National Historic Landmark! Recently, it was sold to a private owner.
Kingsmill Plantation: A Glimpse into the Past
Kingsmill Plantation is another historic site located south of Williamsburg. It offers a look into the past, showing how large farms operated in earlier times.
Green Spring: A Governor's Home
Green Spring Plantation was once the home of Sir William Berkeley, a governor of Virginia in the 1600s. It's a very old and important site that tells us about early colonial leaders.
Pinewoods and Powhatan: Old Estates
Pinewoods near Lightfoot and Powhatan near Five Forks are other historic estates on the list. These places often have unique architecture and stories from different periods of history.
Important Archaeological Sites
Some of the listed places aren't buildings you can see easily. They are archaeological sites, which means they are places where scientists study old remains buried underground. These sites help us learn about ancient cultures and early settlements.
Paspahegh Settlement Site
Archeological Site No. 44JC308 near Williamsburg is a very important archaeological site. It was once a settlement of the Paspahegh people, a Native American tribe who lived in the area long before European settlers arrived. Studying this site helps us understand their way of life.
Chickahominy Shipyard and Croaker Landing
The Chickahominy Shipyard Archeological Site near Toano and the Croaker Landing Archaeological Site (44JC70) near Croaker are also on the list. These sites might reveal clues about old shipyards or other activities that happened along the rivers.
Governor's Land Archeological District
The Governor's Land Archeological District near Jamestown is a larger area with many archaeological findings. It's a key spot for understanding the very early days of the Virginia Colony.
Parks and Public Lands with History
Some historic places are part of larger parks, where you can visit and learn about history while enjoying nature.
Colonial National Historical Park
The Colonial National Historical Park is a large area that includes important historical sites like Jamestown and Yorktown. It's a place where many important events in early American history happened.
Jamestown National Historic Site
Within the Colonial National Historical Park is the Jamestown National Historic Site. This is the location of the first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607. It's a truly foundational place for American history.
Other Unique Historic Sites
James City County also has other interesting places on the National Register.
Hickory Neck Church: A Place of Worship
Hickory Neck Church is an old church located north of Toano. Historic churches often show us how communities grew and how people practiced their faith over centuries.
Norge Train Depot: A Stop in Time
The Norge Train Depot is an old train station in Williamsburg. Train depots were once very important centers for travel and trade, connecting towns and cities. This depot reminds us of the history of railroads in the area.
White Hall and Windsor Castle
White Hall and Windsor Castle are other historic properties near Toano. Each of these places has its own unique story and contributes to the rich history of James City County.