Pitts-Inge facts for kids

Pitts-Inge
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Pitts-Inge
Location in Virginia Show map of Virginia Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	331-333 W. Main St., Charlottesville, Virginia
Area	less than one acre
Built	1820 (1820)
Architectural style	Federal
MPS	Charlottesville MRA
NRHP reference No.	82001812
Quick facts for kids Significant dates
Added to NRHP	October 21, 1982

The Pitts-Inge building is a very old and important building in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was built way back in 1820. This two-story brick building has a special look called the Federal style. It's so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

It started out as a home built by Johnson W. Pitt. Later, it became a grocery store known as Inge's Store. This building is special because of its unique style, its metal roof, and because one family owned and ran it for a very long time, starting in 1890.

The Pitts-Inge Building: A Look Inside

The Pitts-Inge building is made of brick and has two stories. When it was first built in 1820, only the right side of the building was there. This part had two stories and the window sections you see today.

What is Federal Style?

The Federal style is a type of architecture that was popular in the United States from about 1780 to 1830. Buildings in this style often look balanced and simple. They usually have flat walls, tall windows, and sometimes a low-pitched roof.

A Long History of Owners

The Pitts-Inge building has had many different owners over the years. Each owner added something new or changed how the building was used.

From Home to Business

In 1820, Johnson W. Pitt bought the empty land for $100. He built a house on it and sold it a year later for $1,000. Over the next few years, the house was sold several times. A brick kitchen was added during this time.

In 1841, a church bought the building to use as a parsonage, which is a home for a minister. But they had to sell it the next year.

Changing Hands and Uses

In 1850, the building became an iron foundry, a place where metal objects are made. Later, it was sold to merchants who ran a business there. During their time, a smokehouse was added.

The building continued to be sold many times. Each sale brought new changes and new purposes for the old building.

The Inge Family's Legacy

A very important part of the building's history began in 1890. That's when George Pinkney Inge bought the property.

George Pinkney Inge's Story

George Pinkney Inge was born into slavery. After the Civil War, he became a school teacher in Charlottesville. But he also had a dream of owning a business. In July 1891, he opened his own business in the building at 331-333 West Main Street.

The Inge family continued to run the business in this building for many years. They owned and operated it until December 1979, almost 90 years!

How the Building Grew

Over time, the Pitts-Inge building grew much larger. By 1896, it had doubled in size with a second section added. Around 1907, a wooden porch was built at the back. By 1920, even more rooms were added, giving the building the shape it has today.