Newtown and the Wharf Historic Districts
Staunton's Historic Districts
In 1997,
the City of Staunton passed an ordinance to establish local
architectural review to protect exterior architectural features within
Staunton's nationally registered historic districts. Staunton has seen
unprecedented preservation and rehabilitation.
Beverley (downtown)
This compact urban area retains its 19th C. charm and "Main Street"
ambience. Although Staunton was founded in 1747, most buildings date
from the "boom" years between 1870 and 1920.
Downtown Staunton is one of Virginia's finest collections of Victorian era
architecture.
More about Beverley District:
NPS Description
HSF's Self Guided
Walking Tour
Gospel Hill
The corner of Beverley and Coalter Streets was called Gospel Hill in the
late 1790s when religious meetings were held there at Sampson Eagon's
blacksmith shop. Today, the intersection marks the heart of a gracious
neighborhood of shady streets and elegant homes that represent a century of
domestic architectural styles.
More about Gospel Hill:
HSF's self guided
walking tour
Newtown
Deeded to the city by Alexander St. Clair in 1878, this area was called
Newtown to distinguish it from the original part known as Oldtown.
Staunton's oldest residential area ecompasses the grounds of Stuart Hall
School, historic Trinity Church, the landmark Stuart House (left) and the
city's first black church.
More on Newtown:
HSF's self guided
Walking Tour page
NPS Description and
Newtown
Neighborhood Association
Stuart Addition
This diverse older neighborhood adjoins the campus of Mary Baldwin College
and the former Staunton Military Academy.
Rich in historical associations, it boasts a number of buildings listed in
the National Register and some of the steepest hills in town. Deeded
to the city in 1803 by Judge Archibald Stuart.
More about Stuart Addition:
NPS Description
HSF self guided
walking tour
Villages of Staunton
Staunton's newest historic district.
What was once Western State (left
photo) started in 1832 with buildings designed by Thomas R. Blackburn (see
Main building below), this grand site is being redeveloped by Robin Miller,
Dan Gecker and Miller & Associates. The rehabilitation of the Bindery
(right) won HSF's 2008 Commercial Rehabilitation Award.
More information on the
Villages of Staunton (link)
The Wharf
When the Virginia Central Railroad was built in 1854, it changed Staunton
from a rural village into a booming center of commerce.
By the turn of the century, warehouses were built around the train depot
supplying everything from fresh produce to wagons and harnesses.
More on the Wharf:
NPS Description
HSF's self guided
walking tour page
Further information about Staunton's architectural styles,
see the City's webpage.
To link to our Architecture, part 1 (TJ
Collins & Son)
