Mount Stirling

a.k.a. VDHR File No. 18-15

VA 155 E side, 3200 ft. NNE of jct. with VA 614, Providence Forge, VA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Charles City County, Virginia is one of the oldest counties in the United States, with a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 17th century. Established in 1619, it was one of the eight original shires created by the Virginia Company of London. The county was named in honor of King Charles I and quickly became an important center of settlement and commerce in the Virginia Colony.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Charles City County played a significant role in the development of America. It was home to many prominent colonial families, including the Shirley, Harrison, and Harrison families, who owned vast plantations and helped shape the economic and political landscape of Virginia. The county also witnessed the establishment of numerous tobacco plantations, which became the dominant industry and source of wealth for the region.

Charles City County also has deep historical connections with the Native American Powhatan Confederacy, as it was once the territory of Chief Powhatan. The county was also the birthplace of Pocahontas, the famous Native American princess who famously saved the life of English settler John Smith. These connections highlight the cultural significance and historical importance of the county.

In more recent history, Charles City County has gone through various changes and developments. It played a role in the American Revolution, with several important battles taking place in the area. The county also saw significant agricultural shifts, transitioning from a tobacco-based economy to more diverse farming practices, including the cultivation of grains and fruit crops.

Overall, Charles City County, Virginia has a fascinating history that spans centuries. It has been a witness to the early colonial era, the struggles of the American Revolution, and the transformation of its agricultural practices. Today, the county preserves its historical charm and serves as a reminder of Virginia's colonial past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Charles City County, Virginia.

  • 1607: Charles City County is established as one of the original Virginia colonies.
  • 1619: The first representative legislative assembly in America, the House of Burgesses, is held in Charles City County.
  • 1622: The Native American Powhatan Confederacy launches a major attack in the area, known as the Indian Massacre of 1622.
  • 1634: Charles City becomes one of the eight original shires (counties) of Virginia.
  • 1670s: The county's economy thrives with tobacco cultivation, slave labor, and the development of plantations.
  • 1740s: The county seat is moved from Charles City Point to what is now known as Charles City.
  • 1862: During the American Civil War, Union troops occupy Charles City County.
  • 20th century: The county experiences various changes in demographics, economic activities, and infrastructure development.