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

Where Surry County is located in Virginia

Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that have a special story? In Surry County, Virginia, there are many such places! They are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect and celebrate buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.

Surry County is home to 20 amazing places on this list. One of them, Bacon's Castle, is even more special because it's a National Historic Landmark. This means it's one of the most important historic places in the entire country! You can find these historic spots all around Surry County.

Historic Places in Surry County

Surry County has many fascinating places on the National Register of Historic Places. Each one tells a unique story about the past. Let's explore some of them!

Bacon's Castle: A Very Old Home

Bacon's Castle, a very old and important house.

Bacon's Castle is one of the oldest brick houses in North America. It was built way back in 1665! This makes it a true survivor from early American history. It's located in a town called Bacon's Castle, which is named after it.

This house is famous for its unique architecture. It has a special style called Jacobean, which was popular in England a long time ago. It's also known for a big event in history. In 1676, a group of people involved in "Bacon's Rebellion" took over the house. This was a time when colonists rebelled against the governor of Virginia. Because of its age and its link to this important event, Bacon's Castle is a National Historic Landmark. This means it's one of the most important historic places in the whole country!

Chippokes Plantation: A Farm with a Long History

The beautiful grounds at Chippokes Plantation State Park.

Chippokes Plantation is a very old farm that has been working continuously since 1619. That's almost 400 years! It's now part of the Chippokes State Park. This park is near Jamestown, one of the first English settlements in America.

The plantation shows how farming has changed over centuries. It has historic buildings, gardens, and even a farm and forestry museum. It's a great place to learn about Virginia's agricultural past. You can see what life was like on a working farm many years ago.

Four Mile Tree: A Historic Home by the River

The main house at Four Mile Tree.

Four Mile Tree is another historic home in Surry County. It's located near the James River. The name "Four Mile Tree" comes from a very old boundary marker. This marker was used to show the edge of the land granted to early settlers.

The house itself is a beautiful example of old Virginia architecture. It has been standing since the 1700s. It reminds us of the early families who settled this area. They built their lives and homes along the rivers.

Glebe House of Southwark Parish: A Church Home

The historic Glebe House of Southwark Parish.

The Glebe House of Southwark Parish is a historic home that was built for the minister of the local church. In early Virginia, "glebe" land was given to support the church and its minister. This house was built around 1750.

It's a wonderful example of colonial architecture. It shows how important the church was in the daily lives of early Virginians. The house is located east of Spring Grove. It stands as a reminder of the community's religious history.

Melville: A Grand Old House

Melville, a historic home in Surry.

Melville is a large, historic house located east of Surry. It was built in the early 1800s. This house is a great example of the Federal style of architecture. This style was popular in America after the Revolutionary War.

Melville shows the wealth and style of some families in Surry County long ago. It has beautiful details and a grand appearance. It helps us imagine what life was like for prominent families in the 19th century.

Old Brick Church: A Place of Worship

The Old Brick Church near Bacon's Castle.

The Old Brick Church is a very old church building near Bacon's Castle. It was built in 1751. This church served the local community for many years. It's a simple but strong building made of brick.

It represents the religious life of early settlers in Surry County. Places like this church were central to community gatherings and spiritual life. It's a quiet reminder of the faith and traditions of the past.

Pleasant Point: A Riverfront Property

Pleasant Point, a historic site in Surry County.

Pleasant Point is a historic property located south of Scotland. It sits near the James River. This location would have been important for trade and travel in earlier times. The house on the property dates back to the 18th century.

It's a good example of a Virginia plantation home. It shows how people lived and worked along the river. The site offers clues about the history of settlement and farming in the area.

Smith's Fort Plantation: A Site of Early History

The house at Smith's Fort Plantation.

Smith's Fort Plantation is a very important historical site. It's located near the James River. The land was given to Captain John Smith, a famous leader of the Jamestown colony. The fort itself was built in 1609. It was a defensive outpost for the Jamestown settlement.

Later, a house was built on the property in the mid-18th century. This house is a great example of Georgian architecture. The site tells the story of early colonial defense and settlement. It also shows how the land was used for farming over centuries.

Surry County Courthouse Complex: The Heart of the County

The historic Surry County Courthouse Complex.

The Surry County Courthouse Complex is located in the town of Surry. It's the center of the county's government and legal system. The main courthouse building was built in 1825. It's a beautiful example of public architecture from that time.

The complex includes several historic buildings. These buildings have seen many important decisions made over the years. They represent the long history of law and order in Surry County. It's a place where the community's past and present meet.

Snow Hill: A Farmhouse with History

A drawing of Snow Hill, showing its historic design.

Snow Hill is a historic farmhouse located in Gwaltney Corner. It was built in the late 1700s. This house is a good example of the simple, yet elegant, homes built by farmers in early Virginia.

It shows the everyday life of people who lived and worked on the land. Snow Hill helps us understand the agricultural heritage of Surry County. It's a quiet reminder of the families who shaped the rural landscape.

Walnut Valley: An Archaeological Site

Walnut Valley is a historic property that includes an important archaeological site. It's located in the southeastern part of Surry County. An archaeological site is a place where scientists dig to find artifacts and learn about past human life.

This site is special because it includes a rare surviving slave house. This building helps us learn about the lives of enslaved people in Virginia. It's a powerful reminder of a difficult part of American history. The archaeological findings here help us understand the daily lives and struggles of those who lived at Walnut Valley long ago.