Woodlawn Quaker Meetinghouse facts for kids
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Woodlawn Quaker Meetinghouse
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 Location in Northern Virginia
Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 8990 Woodlawn Rd., Alexandria, Virginia |
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| Area | 2.4 acres (9,700 m2) |
| Built | 1853, 1866-69 |
| Architectural style | Quaker Plain Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000335 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 21, 2009 |
The Woodlawn Quaker Meetinghouse is a historic building located in Alexandria, Virginia. It stands at 8890 Woodlawn Road. This meetinghouse and its nearby cemetery are very important. They show the history of the Quakers in Virginia during the mid to late 1800s. The building itself is also special because of its unique Quaker Plain Style architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 21, 2009. This means it is recognized as a significant historical site in the United States.
Contents
Exploring the Woodlawn Quaker Meetinghouse
What is a Quaker Meetinghouse?
A Quaker meetinghouse is a place where Quakers gather for worship. Quakers are members of the Religious Society of Friends. They believe in peace, simplicity, and equality. Their meetinghouses often reflect these beliefs. They are usually simple buildings without much decoration.
The Building's Design and History
The Woodlawn Quaker Meetinghouse was built in two main parts. The first part, which is now the southern half, was finished in 1853. Later, between 1866 and 1869, the northern half was added. Both parts are made of wood and have one story. They also have a pointed roof style called a gable roof.
The building's design shows the Quaker belief in simplicity. It doesn't have fancy decorations. This style is known as Quaker Plain Style. The meetinghouse faces east and has two doors on its long side. In the past, one door was for women and the other was for men.
Inside the Meetinghouse
Inside the meetinghouse, there is a wall in the middle. This wall has openings that look like windows. These openings could be closed with shutters. This allowed men and women to have separate meetings if needed. The seats inside are old, simple wooden benches. These benches have been there for a long time.
A porch now wraps around the building. This porch was added later, after the original construction.
A Glimpse into the Past
During the American Civil War, Union soldiers used the meetinghouse. They even carved their names and initials into the building. You can still see these carvings to the right of what was once the only entrance. This shows how the building played a small part in a big historical event.
