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

Where Suffolk is located in Virginia

Welcome to Suffolk, Virginia! This page is all about special places in Suffolk that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of this register as a very important list of buildings, areas, and sites across the United States that are worth protecting because of their history or unique design. These places tell us stories about the past and help us understand how people lived long ago.

In Suffolk, there are 26 different places and areas that have earned a spot on this special list. You can even see where some of them are on an online map! Let's explore some of these amazing historic sites.

Historic Treasures in Suffolk

Bay Point Farm: A Historic Home

The beautiful Obici House at Bay Point Farm

One of the places on the list is Bay Point Farm. It's located at 1400 Sleepy Hole Road and was added to the National Register in 2003. This farm is a great example of a historic property that has been preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Cedar Hill Cemetery: A Place of Remembrance

The peaceful grounds of Cedar Hill Cemetery

Cedar Hill Cemetery is more than just a burial ground. It's a historic district south of East Constance Road. Listed in 2006, this cemetery tells a lot about the people who lived in Suffolk throughout history. It's a quiet place where you can learn about the past through the stories of those buried there.

Chuckatuck Historic District: A Village with Deep Roots

Wesley Chapel in the Chuckatuck Historic District

The Chuckatuck Historic District is a whole area that's full of history. It's found where Virginia Routes 10/32 and 125 meet. This settlement dates all the way back to 1635! That's when Richard Bartlett got a land grant and built a grist mill. A grist mill is a place where grain is ground into flour. This mill operated for a very long time, until 1970. Also, a Quaker leader named George Fox started the Chuckatuck Meeting here in 1672. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs.

East Suffolk Complex: A Community Hub

The East Suffolk Complex, a historic community building

The East Suffolk Complex is located at 231 South 7th Street. It was added to the National Register in 2003. This complex likely served as an important center for the community, possibly including schools or other public services.

Glebe Church: An Old Church with a Story

Glebe Church, a historic place of worship

Glebe Church is a very old church located west of Chesapeake City on Virginia Route 337. It was recognized as historic in 1973. Churches like Glebe Church often have long histories and beautiful architecture that reflect the times they were built.

Godwin-Knight House: A Family Home with History

The historic Godwin-Knight House

The Godwin-Knight House at 140 King's Highway is another fascinating spot. This home was built way back in 1780! It was once the home of C.B. Godwin and later lived in by Ray and Mildred Knight. Mildred was the sister of Mills E. Godwin, Jr., who was a governor of Virginia. Imagine living in a house that's over 240 years old!

Phoenix Bank of Nansemond: A Historic Bank Building

The Phoenix Bank of Nansemond building

The Phoenix Bank of Nansemond building, found at 339 East Washington Street, became a historic site in 1991. Old bank buildings often have grand designs that show the importance of financial institutions in the past.

Professional Building: A Downtown Landmark

The Professional Building in Suffolk

The Professional Building at 100 North Main Street was listed in 1999. This type of building usually housed offices for doctors, lawyers, and other professionals. It's a key part of Suffolk's downtown history.

Riddick House: A Grand Old Home

The Riddick House, also known as Riddick's Folly

The Riddick House at 510 Main Street was added to the National Register in 1974. These large, historic homes often belonged to important families in the community and show us how people lived in earlier times.

St. John's Church: An Ancient Place of Worship

St. John's Church in Chuckatuck

St. John's Church is located east of Chuckatuck on Virginia Route 125. This church is incredibly old, established in 1642! The building you see today was finished in 1756. Its walls are 21 inches thick! On the south wall, you can even see the date 1753 and the initials A.H. and E.H. These are for Anthony Holladay and his wife Esther, who gave the land for the church.

Suffolk Historic District: The Heart of the City

A view of the Suffolk Historic District

The Suffolk Historic District covers a large part of the city. It's roughly bounded by railroad tracks, Hill Street, Central Avenue, and other streets like Holladay, Washington, N. Saratoga, and Pine Streets. This district has been expanded several times since it was first listed in 1987, showing how many important historic buildings are in Suffolk's core.

West End Historic District: Another Historic Neighborhood

A street view in the West End Historic District

The West End Historic District is another important area in Suffolk. It's roughly bounded by Causey Avenue, the Seaboard Coast Line railroad tracks, Pender Street, Wellons Street, Linden Avenue, and other railroad tracks. This district was added in 2004 and also had its boundaries expanded, meaning more historic buildings were included.

Whaleyville Historic District: A Small Town's Past

A building in the Whaleyville Historic District

The Whaleyville Historic District is located where U.S. Route 13 and Virginia Route 616 meet. This district was listed in 1995. Historic districts like Whaleyville help preserve the unique character and history of smaller towns and communities within Suffolk.

More Historic Places in Suffolk

Here is a list of other important places in Suffolk that are on the National Register of Historic Places. While we don't have detailed stories for all of them right now, each one plays a part in Suffolk's rich history!

• Building at 216 Bank Street (listed 1985)
• Driver Historic District (listed 1995)
• Dumpling Island Archeological Site (listed 1998) - This is a site where archaeologists study the past through digging!
• Joel E. Harrell Son (listed 2006)
• Holland Historic District (listed 1995)
• Knotts Creek-Belleville Archeological Site (listed 2008)
• Mount Sinai Baptist Church (listed 2007)
• Nansemond County Training School (listed 2004) - Training schools were very important for education in the past.
• Phillips Farm (listed 1998)
• Somerton Historic District (listed 2008)
• The Suffolk Peanut Company (listed 2016) - Suffolk is famous for peanuts, so this company's building is a cool part of its industrial history!