List of National Historic Landmarks in Virginia

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List of National Historic Landmarks in Virginia

The state of Virginia is home to a significant number of National Historic Landmarks (NHLs), which are recognized by the United States Department of the Interior for their outstanding historical significance. These landmarks represent a wide array of American history, from colonial times to the modern era.

Overview

As of the latest update, Virginia boasts over 120 National Historic Landmarks. These landmarks include historic homes, battlefields, churches, and other sites that have played a crucial role in the nation's history. The designation of these landmarks is part of a broader effort to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of the United States.

Notable National Historic Landmarks in Virginia

Some of the most notable National Historic Landmarks in Virginia include:

• Monticello: The primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
• Mount Vernon: The plantation home of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
• Jamestown: The site of the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.
• Colonial Williamsburg: A living-history museum and private foundation presenting part of a historic district in the city of Williamsburg.
• Appomattox Court House: The site of the surrender of the Confederate Army under General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War.

Criteria for Designation

National Historic Landmarks are designated based on their national significance in American history and culture. The criteria for designation include:

• Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
• Association with the lives of persons significant in our past.
• Embodiment of the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
• Have yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory.

Preservation and Management

The preservation and management of National Historic Landmarks in Virginia are overseen by various entities, including the National Park Service, state and local governments, and private organizations. These entities work together to ensure that these landmarks are maintained and protected for future generations.

Related Pages

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Virginia
• List of National Historic Landmarks by state
• Historic preservation in the United States
• Virginia Department of Historic Resources

See Also

• List of National Historic Landmarks in the United States
• Historic districts in the United States
• American history