Battersea

Battersea is a colonial house in Petersburg featuring neo-Palladian architecture with five symmetrical sections and Anglo-Italian design elements throughout its structure. The residence on Upper Appomattox Street displays the balanced proportions and classical details typical of 18th-century gentry homes.

Colonel John Banister, Petersburg's first mayor, built the residence in 1768 during the period before the American Revolution. The home was constructed when the colonies were beginning to move toward independence.

The home contains an elaborate Chinese lattice staircase designed according to specifications by English architect William Halfpenny, reflecting the refined taste of its original owner.

The house is located on Upper Appomattox Street and is managed by the Battersea Foundation, which offers guided tours through the rooms. Visitors should check availability before arriving since the property undergoes maintenance work throughout the year.

During the American Revolution, the estate served as a supply point for military provisions that supported American troops in the field. The owner corresponded with leading figures such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington about matters of the time.