National Register of Historic Places listings in Winchester, Virginia facts for kids
Winchester, Virginia, is a city full of history! Many of its old buildings and places are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government to protect and celebrate places that have played a big part in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
Think of it like a Hall of Fame for buildings and sites! When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our country's story. In Winchester, there are 21 such amazing places, including two that are even more special, called National Historic Landmarks. Let's explore some of these cool spots!
Contents
- Historic Places in Winchester
- Abram's Delight: Winchester's Oldest Home
- Patsy Cline House: Home of a Music Legend
- Douglas School: A Place of Change
- Fort Loudoun Site: George Washington's Fort
- Handley Library: A Beautiful Place to Read
- Hexagon House: A Unique Design
- Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters: A Civil War Landmark
- Adam Kurtz House: Another Washington Connection
- Mount Hebron Cemetery: A Resting Place with History
- Winchester Historic District: A Whole Neighborhood of History
- Winchester National Cemetery: Honoring Soldiers
- Images for kids
Historic Places in Winchester
Abram's Delight: Winchester's Oldest Home
Imagine living in a house built almost 300 years ago! That's Abram's Delight. It was built in 1754 by Simon Taylor for Isaac Hollingsworth. Isaac's family, the Hollingsworths, were among the very first settlers in this area, arriving way back in 1728. This stone house gives us a peek into what life was like for early settlers in Virginia.
Patsy Cline House: Home of a Music Legend
Do you know Patsy Cline? She was a super famous country music singer! Her childhood home at 608 S. Kent Street is on the National Register. It's a place where fans can learn about her early life before she became a star.
Douglas School: A Place of Change
The Douglas School, built in 1927, has an important story. It was originally a school for African Americans during a time when schools were "separate but equal." This meant Black and white students went to different schools. After schools became desegregated in 1966, the building became a community center. It might have been named after the famous leader Frederick Douglass.
Fort Loudoun Site: George Washington's Fort
Did you know George Washington helped build a fort in Winchester? The Fort Loudoun Site is where this important fort once stood. Washington supervised its construction. It's an archaeological site, meaning scientists study the remains found there to learn about the past.
Handley Library: A Beautiful Place to Read
The Handley Library is not just a place for books; it's a work of art! It was paid for by a wealthy coal businessman named Judge John Handley. This library, which opened in 1913, is known for its grand and fancy Beaux-Arts architecture. It's a truly impressive building.
Hexagon House: A Unique Design
Most houses are square or rectangular, right? But the Hexagon House, finished in 1874, is different! It was designed with six sides to let in more natural light and make the inside feel more open. It's even rarer than octagon houses, which have eight sides!
Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters: A Civil War Landmark
This building was the headquarters for Stonewall Jackson, a famous general during the American Civil War. It's a National Historic Landmark, which means it's one of the most important historic places in the entire country! You can visit it today as a museum.
Adam Kurtz House: Another Washington Connection
Here's another place connected to George Washington! The Adam Kurtz House served as Washington's headquarters in 1755-1756. This was when he was overseeing the building of Fort Loudoun. Imagine Washington planning his work right here!
Mount Hebron Cemetery: A Resting Place with History
Mount Hebron Cemetery was started in 1844. It's a peaceful place with a lot of history. In 1866, it was expanded to include Stonewall Cemetery, where 2,576 soldiers who fought for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War are buried. It also has a cool limestone gatehouse built in 1902.
Winchester Historic District: A Whole Neighborhood of History
Instead of just one building, the Winchester Historic District is a whole area of the city that is historic! It includes many streets and buildings that show what Winchester was like in the past. Walking through this district is like taking a trip back in time.
Winchester National Cemetery: Honoring Soldiers
The Winchester National Cemetery is a special place that honors soldiers. It's a burial ground for military members who served our country. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by brave men and women throughout history.