National Register of Historic Places listings in Westmoreland County, Virginia facts for kids
Westmoreland County in Virginia is home to many amazing places that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. This special list helps protect important buildings, sites, and areas across the United States. These places tell us stories about the past and show us how people lived long ago.
There are 24 historic spots in Westmoreland County on this list. Two of them are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. These landmarks are extra important to the history of the whole country!
Exploring Historic Places in Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County has many cool places to discover. Each one has its own unique history. Let's look at some of these special spots.
Homes of Famous People
Westmoreland County is famous for being the birthplace or home of several important figures in American history.
Bell House
The Bell House is located in Colonial Beach. It was once the summer home of Alexander Graham Bell. He was the inventor of the telephone! Imagine spending your summers in a house where such a brilliant mind once relaxed. The house was added to the National Register in 1987.
James Monroe Family Home Site
Near Colonial Beach, you can find the site where James Monroe's family lived. James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States. He was born in Westmoreland County. This site helps us remember where one of our country's leaders grew up. It became a historic site in 1979.
Stratford Hall
Stratford Hall is a very famous plantation located north of Lerty. It was the birthplace of two signers of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee. It was also the home of Robert E. Lee, a famous general during the Civil War. This grand house shows us what life was like for important families centuries ago. It was made a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
East of Fredericksburg, you can visit the George Washington Birthplace National Monument. This is the place where George Washington, our first president, was born. It's a national monument, meaning it's a very important place protected by the government. It helps us learn about the early life of one of America's most important leaders. This site became a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
Spence's Point
Spence's Point is a historic property on Sandy Point Neck. It was once the home of John Dos Passos, a famous American writer. He wrote many novels and essays. This place became a National Historic Landmark in 1971. It's a great example of how important homes can be to the stories of famous people.
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Important Buildings and Sites
Beyond homes, Westmoreland County has other structures and areas that are historically significant.
Armstead T. Johnson High School
This school is located near Montross. It was an important place for education in the community. Schools like this one played a big role in shaping young minds and communities. It was listed on the National Register in 1998.
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Yeocomico Church
Southwest of Tucker Hill, you'll find Yeocomico Church. This church is one of the oldest in Virginia. It was built a very long time ago and has seen many generations of people worship there. It's a beautiful example of early American architecture and faith. It was added to the National Register in 1969.
Morgan Jones 1677 Pottery Kiln
In the Glebe Harbor area, there's a unique site: the Morgan Jones 1677 Pottery Kiln. A kiln is a special oven used to bake clay to make pottery. This kiln shows us how people made pottery hundreds of years ago. It's a cool look into old craftsmanship! It was listed in 1974.
Kinsale Historic District
The Kinsale Historic District is an area in the town of Kinsale. A "historic district" means that a whole section of a town has many old buildings and a special history. Walking through Kinsale, you can see how the town developed over time. This district was added to the National Register in 2005.
Westmoreland State Park Historic District
Westmoreland State Park is not just a park; it's also a historic district! Located in Montross, this park offers beautiful views and outdoor activities. The historic district part means that the park's design and some of its buildings are important examples of how parks were built in the past. It was listed in 2005.
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Other Notable Historic Places
Many other places in Westmoreland County are also on the National Register. These include:
- Blenheim: A historic home near Wakefield Corner, listed in 1975.
- Bushfield: Another historic property in Mount Holly, added in 2004.
- Chantilly: A historic site near Montross, listed in 1971.
- Ingleside: A historic home south of Oak Grove, added in 1979.
- Mount Pleasant: A property near Hague, listed in 2002.
- Panorama: A historic place in Montross, added in 2011.
- Rochester House: Located near Lyells, listed in 1991.
- Roxbury: Another historic home south of Oak Grove, added in 1979.
- St. Peter's Episcopal Church: A church in Oak Grove, listed in 2004.
- Spring Grove: A historic property in Mount Holly, added in 1985.
- Wirtland: A historic home south of Oak Grove, listed in 1979.
These places all help tell the rich story of Westmoreland County and its past. They are important reminders of the people and events that shaped this part of Virginia.
