Steuart Blakemore Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Steuart Blakemore Building |
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The Steuart Blakemore Building, Lancaster, Virginia
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| Former names | The Old Post Office |
| General information | |
| Type | Old Post Office |
| Location | Lancaster, Virginia |
| Town or city | Lancaster, Virginia |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 37°46′11.8″N 76°27′54.3″W / 37.769944°N 76.465083°W |
| Construction started | 1900 |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Timber frame, wood siding |
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Steuart Blakemore Building
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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View of the Lancaster Court House Historic District, including Lancaster Court House and the Steuart Blakemore Building
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| Location | VA 3, Lancaster, Virginia |
| Part of | Lancaster Court House Historic District (ID83003286) |
| Designated CP | August 11, 1983 |
The Steuart Blakemore Building is a special place in Lancaster, Virginia. It was built in 1900 and first served as the town's post office. Today, it is part of the Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library. This building helps tell the amazing stories of the people and history of the Northern Neck area of Virginia.
The Steuart Blakemore Building is one of five important buildings in the Lancaster Court House Historic District. This historic area also includes the Old Jail (built in 1820), the Clerk's Office (around 1797), and Lancaster House. Together, these buildings show what a historic town center looked like long ago.
You can visit the museum to see exhibits and learn about the past. They also offer educational programs. It's a great way to explore the history of the Chesapeake Bay region.
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What is the Steuart Blakemore Building?
The Steuart Blakemore Building is now a museum and a place where old records are kept. It holds many items that tell the story of Lancaster County. The building also serves as an office for the Lancaster County History Book Committee. This committee works to write books about the area's history.
How Did the Building Start?
The building was constructed around 1900 by a lawyer named Harvey Gresham. Mr. Gresham used the front part of the building as the post office. He ran his own law practice from the back of the building. Before this building, there was no official post office in Lancaster. Mail was usually dropped off at local taverns or stores.
Becoming the "Old Post Office"
The Steuart Blakemore Building was the main post office until 1931. After that, a new post office was built in the 1950s. Because it was no longer the main post office, people started calling it "The Old Post Office."
Why is the Building Important?
In 1983, the Steuart Blakemore Building became a very important historical site. It was named a National Historic Landmark. This happened because it is part of the Lancaster Court House Historic District. Being a National Historic Landmark means it is recognized as a special place in American history.
A Gift to the Museum
In 1986, the building was given to the museum. The person who donated it was George H. Steuart. He grew up in Lancaster County. Mr. Steuart worked for the United States government in other countries. He retired as a consul in Liverpool, England.
Mr. Steuart bought the building in 1981. He named it to honor his parents: George H. Steuart (a local doctor) and Irene Blakemore. This is why it is called the Steuart Blakemore Building today.
