Blackstone Historic District, Historic district in Blackstone, Virginia, US
The Blackstone Historic District is a residential and commercial area containing 272 buildings and 1 structure spread across roughly 208 acres in Nottoway County. The area is bounded by Mann, Dillard, Tavern, High, Oak, Eighth, and Freeman Streets, with railroad tracks forming part of its perimeter.
The area grew into a commercial hub during the late 1800s with railroad connections. It gained official recognition as a historic district in 1990 when listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register, followed by its placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
The area contains several church buildings and the former Blackstone College for Girls, which once drew students from across the region. The mixed architectural styles reflect the prosperity and community institutions that shaped the town's identity.
The district is walkable across several blocks and can be explored on foot at a comfortable pace. It helps to start by understanding the area's boundaries along the marked streets before wandering through the neighborhoods to spot buildings of interest.
Local architect J.E. McDaniel designed the James D. Crawley House in 1903, incorporating distinctive architectural details. This residence stands out as an example of how regional architects helped shape the visual character of the district.
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