Historic Resources

• Architectural Review Board
• Historic Commission
• Historic Sites

Architectural Review Board

The Hanover County Architectural Review Board consists of five citizens who have demonstrated a knowledge of and interest in the preservation of historical and architectural landmarks. The Board reviews and decides on applications for Certificates of Approval in designated Historic Preservation Districts. The Board makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for the establishment of additional Historic Preservation Districts or modifications to existing Districts. The Board may provide advisory recommendations on development proposals proposed within a Historic Preservation District.

Historic Commission

The Hanover County Historical Commission was created by the Board of Supervisors to serve as a consultative and advisory body for the County. The Commission serves as a resource of ideas and initiatives to assist the County in promoting the recognition of and appreciation for the history of the County and protecting, preserving, and restoring the many historic landmarks and areas within the County. The Commission also initiates and implements programs to further these ends.

Historic Sites

• Hanover County Courthouse
• Hanover Tavern
• Town of Ashland
• Ashland Depot
• Black Heritage Society Museum
• North Anna Battlefield
• Slash Church
• Sycamore Tavern
• Scotchtown
• Beaver Dam Depot
• Richmond National Battlefield Park
• Pole Green Church Site (and other Churches)

Hanover County Courthouse

The Hanover County Courthouse was built in 1735. The Courthouse, Tavern, early 19th Century jail, and Clerk's Office form a rare complex still in existence. It was here that Patrick Henry participated in the Parson's Cause case (1763) and gave a thrust to the American Revolution. In 1774, the citizens of Hanover assembled here and adopted the "Hanover Resolves". Open by appointment (804) 537-5815.

List of Sites

Hanover Tavern

The Hanover Tavern is an 18th Century tavern originally owned from 1750-1764 by John Shelton, father-in-law of Patrick Henry. The present tavern, built in 1780, has been used as a Stagecoach stop, tavern, and inn. From 1953-1996, it was the home of the Barksdale Theatre. It has recently undergone restoration by the historic Hanover Tavern Foundation. Plans are to use it for education and entertainment programs. For more information call (804) 537-5050.

List of Sites

Town of Ashland

A walking tour, starting at the Train Station Visitor Center, includes more than a dozen of the two hundred 19th and 20th Century homes in the historic district. Also located in Ashland is Randolph Macon College. Established in 1830, it relocated to Ashland following the Civil War. It is one of the oldest Methodist Colleges in the Country. Included on its grounds is Washington and Franklin Hall, built in 1872 and on the National Historic Register.

List of Sites

Ashland Depot

The Ashland Depot station was built in 1923, replacing the original station of 1866. Designed by W. Duncan Lee, a well known architect and native of Ashland. Its symmetrical floor plan reflects the segregation of the South at the time; "White" waiting room on the north end; "Colored" on the south, each with its own window to the ticket office. The RF&P Railroad gave the building to the Town in 1983, and today it serves as the Visitor Center. Amtrack service is available.

List of Sites

Black Heritage Museum

The Hanover County Black Heritage Society Museum is located at 204 Virginia Street in Ashland. It houses a collection of African-American History of Hanover County depicting family life in the last one hundred years. It also has a special exhibit of African-American Inventors. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from noon until 5:00 p.m. and by appointment. Call (804) 752-6110 or (804) 798-5774 for further information.

List of Sites

North Anna Battlefield

Between May 23 and May 26, 1864, more than 150,000 Union and Confederate soldiers occupied fortifications along the North Anna River. The heaviest fighting occurred on the first two days and the armies left the area on the 27th heading for Cold Harbor. A self-guided walking tour of the Ox Ford portion of the battlefield, established by General Crushed Stone is the highlight of most visits. Call (804) 798-8062 for information.

List of Sites

Slash Church

The oldest frame church in Virginia was erected in 1729 at a cost 60,000 pounds of tabacco. Originally it was an Episcopal Church, and Patrick Henry's uncle was its rector from 1737 to 1777. After the Revolution, it was used jointly by the Methodists and the Disciples of Christ. Since 1842 it has been owned by the latter denomination. North Carolina troops camped in and around the Church in 1862 before being engaged in the battle of Hanover Courthouse.

List of Sites

Sycamore Tavern

Sycamore Tavern was built circa 1732 as the fourth stagecoach stop on the road from Charlottesville to Richmond. The building served as a tavern in the 19th Century. It now houses the Historical and Genealogical Library and is open to the public on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Call (804) 883-5355 for information.

List of Sites

Scotchtown

Scotchtown was built circa 1720 by Charles Chiswell. It was the residence of Patrick Henry from 1771 to 1777 and was, for a short period, the girlhood home of Dolley Madison. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was awarded the Bronze Plaque. It has an outstanding collection of southern antiques. The building is open to the public April through October. For more information call (804) 227-3500.

List of Sites

Beaver Dam Depot

With century-old walls of scortched and worn brick, Beaver Dam Depot spans the history of the railroad era. Originally built during the early part of the Civil War, the depot was destroyed and rebuilt several times during the war. Ongoing restoration is striving to return the depot to original condition. Call (804) 449-6251 or (804) 449-6832 for information.

List of Sites

Richmond National Battlefield

The National Park Service has four units in Hanover County: Beaver Dam Creek; Gaines Mill; Cold Harbor; and Garthright House. Beaver Dam Creek and Gaines Mill were part of the Seven Days Battles in 1862 when Robert E. Lee successfully kept the Union Army under General McClellan away from Richmond. The Battle of Cold Harbor took place in 1864 as part of General Grant's strategy to destroy the Army of Northern Virginia. Grant's frontal assault was repulsed with heavy casualties and led him to break contact and cross the James River to threaten Richmond's rail connection with the Confederate heartland at Petersburg. Follow the signs from Mechanicsville along Route 156. Open daily. Call (804) 226-1981 for information.

List of Sites

Pole Green Church

This site was the center of the struggle for religious and civil liberty in the middle of the 18th Century in Virginia. The Hanover dissenters, with the leadership of Presbyterian Minister Samuel Davies, contended with the established Anglican Church sponsored by the Colonial Government. Patrick Henry worshiped here throughout his adolescence and years later said "Davies taught me what an orator should be". The Church was destroyed by confederate artillery fire in 1864 and was never rebuilt.

Hanover County has numerous churches of historic note. Among them are: Fork Episcopal Church on Old Ridge Road; Trinity Episcopal Church in western Hanover; Enon Methodist Church and Salem Presbyterian Church in Studley; Immanuel Episcopal Church in Old Church; and Beulah Presbyterian Church in Cold Harbor.

List of Sites

Comments on this page should be forwarded to Kevin R. Nelson, Hanover County GIS Manager.