Sites We Steward
HPF Headquarters at 318/320 E Washington Street
This Federal-style structure is significant historically primarily because of its association with the Bolling family. In 1809, Robert Bolling of Centre Hill laid out eighty half acre lots between Franklin and Tulip Alley, between Walnut (now Sycamore) and Madison Streets. Washington Street east of Jefferson Street remained vacant until after Bolling’s death and the transfer of the lots in that block to Bolling’s son and heir, Robert Buckner Bolling in 1840. The younger Bolling constructed the house at 318-320 East Washington on Lot #115 in 1844. This house was originally a single family dwelling, centrally planned, one room deep. It appears to have been the first building constructed in this section of Washington Street. In 1902, the house was sold and subsequently divided into a double house.
318-320 East Washington Street is also significant because of its prominent position as the first historic structure seen upon entering the city after turning off the interstate from the north. At this principal entry point, tourist get their first impressions of the city. It sets the tone that Petersburg is a historic city.
Caretaker's Cottage in Poplar Lawn
Golden Ball Tavern Archaeological Site
Peter Jones Trading Station Site
This stone structure was thought to date back to circa 1665 as part of the Peter Jones Trading Station, but recent discoveries in the documentary record suggest a later date. Further research, possibly to include archaeological excavation, is needed to help determine the construction date of the building. Nonetheless, it is one of the oldest buildings in Petersburg. Also called the Stone Lumber House, this property was likely part of the original Fort Henry tract owned by Abraham Wood and Peter Jones in the 17th century. It is located at the most historic intersection in Petersburg, just south of the Appomattox River. In response to the 1644 Indian massacre, the Virginia General Assembly in March 1646 directed that Fort Henry be built at the falls of the “Appomattocke River” to defend English settlers south of the James River. Shortly thereafter, the Indians and the Virginia colony signed a peace treaty. In October 1646, the Assembly declared Captain Abraham Wood caretaker of the fort. New research initiatives will enable us to revise the historical narrative of this site and the integral role it played in Petersburg’s early development.