Virginia Landmarks Register facts for kids
The Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR) is a special list of important historic places in Virginia. Think of it as Virginia's official scrapbook of amazing old buildings, sites, and areas. It helps everyone remember and protect places that tell us about Virginia's past.
This list was started in 1965 by Virginia's government, called the General Assembly. The VLR works a lot like the National Register of Historic Places, which is a similar list for the whole United States. When a place is added to Virginia's list, its information is also sent to the National Park Service. This means it might also get added to the national list! The Virginia Department of Historic Resources takes care of the VLR. They make sure these important places are recognized and preserved.
Contents
Discover Virginia's Historic Places
What is the Virginia Landmarks Register?
The Virginia Landmarks Register is a collection of places that are very important to Virginia's history. These can be old homes, battlefields, churches, or even ancient sites where people lived long ago. Each place on the VLR has a unique story to tell about how Virginia grew and changed over time.
The main goal of the VLR is to celebrate and protect these historic treasures. By listing them, people become more aware of their value. This helps ensure they are not forgotten or destroyed. It's like giving a special badge of honor to places that have played a big part in history.
How Does it Work?
When someone believes a place is historically important, they can nominate it for the VLR. Experts at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources then study the site. They look at its age, its unique features, and its connection to important events or people. If it meets the special rules, it gets added to the Register.
Once a place is on the VLR, it often gets extra care and attention. This can include help with repairs or special rules to protect it from being changed too much. Many places on Virginia's list are also on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as important not just for Virginia, but for the entire country!
Special Virginia Landmarks
While most places on Virginia's list are also on the national list, some are unique to the VLR. These sites are especially important to Virginia's local history and heritage. They might include old furnaces where metal was made, historic churches, or even ancient archaeological sites.
Here are a few examples of the kinds of places you might find only on the Virginia Landmarks Register:
- Australia Furnace in Alleghany County: An old industrial site.
- Buck Mountain Church in Albemarle County: A historic church building.
- Cactus Hill Archaeological Site in Sussex County: A place where scientists study ancient human life.
- Fort Vause Site in Montgomery County: The location of an old fort.
- Shockoe Hill Burying Ground Historic District in Richmond (city): A historic cemetery complex.
These sites, and many others, help us understand the diverse history of Virginia. They show us everything from early industries to important community gathering places.
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Virginia
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Virginia
- Virginia Historic Landmark
External links
- Virginia Department of Historic Resources: Virginia Landmarks Register — & National Register of Historic Places in Virginia.
