National Register of Historic Places listings in Staunton, Virginia facts for kids
Welcome to Staunton, Virginia! This city is home to many amazing places that are super important because of their history. These special spots are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a hall of fame for buildings, neighborhoods, and other cool sites that tell a big part of America's story.
In Staunton, there are 33 different places and areas that have made it onto this important list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher honor! Let's explore what makes some of these places so special.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places that are worth saving. It's part of a program by the United States government to help protect important buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, or cultural importance.
Being on the Register doesn't mean a place can't be changed or sold. But it does mean that people are encouraged to preserve it. It can also help owners get special grants or tax benefits to help with repairs and upkeep. It's all about celebrating and keeping alive the stories of our past!
Historic Buildings in Staunton
Staunton has many individual buildings that are recognized for their unique history and design. These places often show us how people lived, worked, or learned a long time ago.
Augusta County Courthouse
The Augusta County Courthouse is a very important building in Staunton. It's where many legal decisions have been made for a long time. It was added to the National Register in 1982. Courthouses are often central to a community's history, showing how laws and government have changed over the years.
Mary Baldwin College Main Building
The Main Building of Mary Baldwin College is another historic spot. Mary Baldwin College is a well-known school, and this building has been a key part of its campus for many years. It was listed in 1973, showing its long history in education.
Old Main (Stuart Hall)
Old Main, also known as Stuart Hall, is a historic building that was added to the Register in 1974. It's located on West Frederick Street and has been an important part of the community's educational landscape.
Sears House
The Sears House is found in Woodrow Wilson City Park. This house was listed in 1972. Historic homes like this one often give us a peek into the past, showing us how families lived and what kind of architecture was popular in different eras.
Stuart House
The Stuart House on Church Street was added to the Register in 1972. Many historic houses in Staunton have unique stories about the people who lived there and the events that took place within their walls.
Trinity Episcopal Church
The Trinity Episcopal Church on Beverley and Lewis Streets is a beautiful and historic church. It was listed in 1972. Churches are often central to a community's social and spiritual life, and their architecture can tell us a lot about the time they were built.
Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind
The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is a very special place. It was founded to provide education for students who are deaf or blind. This important institution was added to the Register in 1969, recognizing its long history of helping students learn and grow.
Western State Hospital Complex
The Western State Hospital Complex is another significant site. It was listed in 1969 and has seen its boundaries expanded several times because of its large size and historical importance. Hospitals and medical facilities also have a rich history, showing how healthcare has developed over time.
Woodrow Wilson Birthplace
The Woodrow Wilson Birthplace is a very famous spot in Staunton. This is where Woodrow Wilson, who later became the 28th President of the United States, was born! It's a National Historic Landmark, meaning it's one of the most important historic places in the entire country. It was listed in 1966. Visiting this site helps us understand the early life of a U.S. president.
Historic Districts in Staunton
Besides individual buildings, entire neighborhoods or areas can also be listed on the National Register. These are called historic districts. They are special because they have many historic buildings that together create a unique look and feel, telling a bigger story about a part of the city.
Beverley Historic District
The Beverley Historic District is a large area in Staunton that was listed in 1982. It includes parts of U.S. 250 and VA 254. Walking through a historic district like this is like stepping back in time, with many old buildings showing different styles of architecture.
Gospel Hill Historic District
The Gospel Hill Historic District was added to the Register in 1985. It's roughly bounded by several streets, including E. Beverly, N. Market, E. Frederick, and Kalorama Streets. These districts are important because they preserve the overall character and history of a neighborhood.
Newtown Historic District
The Newtown Historic District is another significant area, listed in 1983. It includes parts of Lewis Street and S. Jefferson Streets, and even the Thornrose cemetery. Historic districts often include a mix of homes, businesses, and other community buildings.
Stuart Addition Historic District
The Stuart Addition Historic District was recognized in 1984. It's roughly bounded by Augusta, Sunnyside, Market, and New Streets. These districts help protect the unique look and feel of Staunton's older neighborhoods.
Wharf Area Historic District
The Wharf Area Historic District is a very interesting part of Staunton, listed in 1972. It includes Middlebrook Avenue and parts of S. Augusta Street, extending to Lewis Creek. This area likely has a history tied to trade and transportation, perhaps near a waterway or old railway.
Other Notable Historic Sites
Staunton also has other types of historic sites that are important to its past.
Staunton National Cemetery
The Staunton National Cemetery is a place where many soldiers are buried. National cemeteries are very important historical sites that honor those who served our country. This cemetery was added to the Register in 1996.
Images for kids
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Augusta County Courthouse
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Main Building at Mary Baldwin College
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A building in the Beverley Historic District
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Breezy Hill
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Catlett House
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Cobble Hill Farm barn
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Berkeley Place in the Gospel Hill Historic District
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Hilltop at Mary Baldwin College
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Arista Hoge House
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Kable House
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Former Robert E. Lee High School
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J.C.M. Merrillat House
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Thomas J. Michie House
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C.W. Miller House
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National Valley Bank
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A street in the Newtown Historic District
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Oakdene
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The Oaks
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Old Main (Stuart Hall)
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Rose Terrace at Mary Baldwin College
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Sears House
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Staunton National Cemetery
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Steephill
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A building in the Stuart Addition Historic District
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Stuart House
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Trinity Episcopal Church
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Entrance to the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind
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Booker T. Washington High School
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Waverly Hill
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Western State Hospital Complex
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A building in the Wharf Area Historic District
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Woodrow Wilson Birthplace
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