National Register of Historic Places listings in New Kent County, Virginia facts for kids
Welcome to New Kent County, Virginia! This area is full of amazing history, and many of its special places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of this register as a special list of buildings, sites, and objects across the United States that are important to our country's history. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering for future generations.
New Kent County has 16 places on this important list. Two of these are even more special! They are called National Historic Landmarks. This means they are considered some of the most important historic places in the entire country. Let's explore some of these cool spots!
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Discovering Historic Places in New Kent County
New Kent County is home to many buildings and sites that tell stories from the past. Each one has a unique history, from old churches to historic homes and even schools that changed history.
Cedar Grove
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Cedar Grove is a historic home located near Providence Forge. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 28, 1979. This old house stands as a reminder of the past, showing us how people lived many years ago in this area.
Criss Cross
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Another interesting historic home is Criss Cross, found southwest of New Kent. It joined the National Register on May 11, 1973. Homes like Criss Cross help us understand the architecture and lifestyle of earlier times in New Kent County.
Emmaus Baptist Church
Emmaus Baptist Church, located in Providence Forge, is a significant religious site. It was added to the National Register on June 10, 1993. Churches often play a central role in a community's history, and Emmaus Baptist is no exception.
Foster's Castle
Despite its name, Foster's Castle isn't a real castle, but a historic home northeast of Tunstall. It became a registered historic place on April 11, 1973. It's a great example of the older homes that dot the landscape of New Kent County.
Hampstead
Hampstead is another historic property located near Tunstall. It was listed on the National Register on December 18, 1970. These old estates often have long histories, sometimes going back hundreds of years, and offer a glimpse into the past.
New Kent and George W. Watkins Schools
These two schools are very important! They are so special that they are a National Historic Landmark. New Kent School and George W. Watkins School were added to the National Register on August 7, 2001.
A Landmark for Civil Rights
These schools played a big part in the fight for equal rights in education. After the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, which said that separate schools for different races were unfair, many places still didn't fully integrate their schools.
The New Kent County schools were at the center of a very important court case in 1968 called Green v. County School Board of New Kent County. This case helped make sure that schools truly became integrated, not just on paper, but in real life. It was a huge step forward for civil rights in education across the country.
Olivet Presbyterian Church
Olivet Presbyterian Church, located northwest of Providence Forge, is another historic church in the county. It was added to the National Register on January 26, 1978. It's a place where many generations have gathered.
Spring Hill
Spring Hill is a historic home in Providence Forge. It was listed on the National Register on November 27, 2002. Like many other historic homes, it helps us connect with the past and see how communities grew over time.
St. Peter's Church
St. Peter's Church is an incredibly important historic site in New Kent County. It's so significant that it was designated a National Historic Landmark on October 1, 1969.
A Church with Deep Roots
This church has a very long history, dating back to colonial times. Many important events and people are connected to St. Peter's Church, making it a true treasure of American history. It's a place where you can almost feel the past come alive.
Other Historic Places
New Kent County has even more historic spots! These include:
- Crump's Mill and Millpond: An old mill site near Quinton, added in 1999. Mills were once very important for grinding grain.
- Marl Hill: A historic property near Talleysville, listed in 1990.
- Moysonec: A site near Toano, added in 1975. The exact address is restricted to protect the site.
These places, whether they are grand homes, old churches, or important school buildings, all help tell the story of New Kent County and its role in the larger history of Virginia and the United States. They are protected so that future generations can learn from and appreciate them.
