Preservation Virginia has released its annual list of historic places in the Commonwealth facing imminent or sustained threats.
The “Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places” list is released each year in May to bring attention to the sites and to encourage individuals, organizations and local governments to advocate for their preservation.
The program has a track record of success with only 10 percent of the sites chosen lost to demolition or neglect.
“Raising awareness is a first step, but it is critical that we work together to preserve these locations before they’re gone,” said Will Glasco, Preservation Virginia CEO.
“These places still have value and purpose as affordable housing, community centers or by sharing the story of Virginia during the 250th anniversary of the United States. Let’s not waste this opportunity.”
‘Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places’ list for 2025
Granite Schoolhouse, Richmond
Granite is an active community descended from enslaved and emancipated granite miners responsible for the early granite infrastructure and streetscapes built in Richmond, Washington D.C. and New York City.
Granite’s original boundaries span from near Willow Oaks Country Club all the way to Bon Air along Forest Hill Avenue.
This original schoolhouse annex is their last remaining historical building and was used for weddings, dances and community gatherings.
The Granite CommUNITY Foundation is committed to acquiring the structure from the city and repurposing it for community events and programming supporting the changing needs of the surrounding descendant neighborhood but needs additional financial support.
Historic sites impacted by data centers, statewide
Virginia’s Data Center boom continues to encroach upon historic landscapes, particularly in Northern and Central Virginia, according to Preservation Virginia.
It is common for these efforts to bypass federal preservation protections to construct transmission lines or facilities.
There are more than 500 facilities in Virginia including 53 in the Richmond area. This growth has led to increased energy demands, prompting major concerns for untouched rural regions of the state.
Specifically, battlefield sites such as Wilderness Battlefield and Manassas National Battlefield Park, both national parks, are under sustained pressure from data center development proposals, according to Preservation Virginia.
Kingsmill Plantation, James City County
Kingsmill Plantation, located just down river from Jamestown, is a gateway to life in early Colonial America.
Built by British Colonel Lewis Burwell III in the 1730s, a fire in the mid-1800s took the main plantation house down to its foundation, while its two flanking dependencies–the original kitchen and office–have stood the test of time.
This area of Kingsmill, coupled with the adjoining recreation and green spaces, are at risk of being lost to development with the construction of new homes.
Ascension Church, Mecklenburg County
This 1879 church was the first major contribution of James Solomon Russell, who would go on to form the Saint Paul Normal and Industrial School (Saint Paul’s College) and become a Saint of the Episcopal Church.
Defining his early legacy and serving as the backbone for a local descendant African American community, this building is in need of serious renovations to continue its story.
Repairs are needed to the roof and the foundation requires stabilization. Funds are also needed to install interpretive signage.
Century Cotton Mill tower, South Boston
South Boston’s Century Cotton Mill opened in 1897 and went on to become one of the leading employers in Halifax County for the next century.
Overcome by the changing global business environment, the mill closed in 2002, and the major portion of the factory was demolished later that decade.
Only the iconic tower entrance remains. The landmark’s current condition will likely need to be stabilized and improved.
Indian Knob School, Patrick County
This early African American schoolhouse in Patrick County is nestled in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. Over the years, it was repurposed by descendants and neighbors as a community meeting and celebration space. Local blues and gospel musicians played here at events.
New ownership has launched a preservation effort which involves the Patrick County Historical Society and others in the community.
Being one of the last of its kind in this part of Virginia, organizers are working to raise funds to stabilize the foundation and restore the building for community use.
Westham train station, Richmond
This former C&O Railway station was originally built in 1911 on a site in Henrico County and served the western part of Richmond and the University of Richmond, handling both freight and passengers for decades.
After passenger service was discontinued, the building was moved to its present site in 1963, where it served as the Richmond Visitor’s Center and centerpiece of a transportation-themed park.
The station fell out of use in 2002, and deterioration of the roof and impending redevelopment of the area threaten the future of the station.
Many similar structures of railway history are vanishing from the American landscape, and the goal is for the station to be stabilized, moved, renovated and given a new life celebrating its unique contribution to Virginia history.
Davis Tobacco Warehouse, Danville
Built in 1886, this locally designed building has a distinctive roofline that frames the skyline of the National Historic Tobacco Warehouse District. It is situated in the core of 19th-century Danville.
In 1858, Thomas D. Neal inaugurated the “Danville System” of open warehouse tobacco auctions, which allowed buyers to inspect and bid on each pile of tobacco. This new system helped make Danville a major tobacco marketing center with warehouses such as this clustered around the river.
In May 2024, the City Council voted to reverse the River District Design Commission denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the warehouse for the sale of its materials and new construction on the site. The future of the building remains uncertain.
Hidden Vale House, Madison County
This building is known locally in Madison County as “Hidden Vale” and is a large, more than 200-year-old log cabin.
At one point it was owned by former Governor James Gilmore’s family in the mid-1800’s.
This architectural gem is standing strong and is water-tight but is getting weak due to severe repairs needed.
The current owner has restored a smaller cabin on the property but preserving the large home is beyond his financial and physical means.
Goochland Recreational Center, Goochland County
The Goochland Recreational Center, established in 1961, was founded by African American community members seeking a safe, welcoming space for fellowship and recreation during a time of segregation.
For decades, it served as a hub for unity, culture and community progress.
In recent years, the historic center has faced the threat of deterioration due to aging infrastructure and lack of consistent funding.
Community leaders are working together to restore and revitalize the center so it can continue serving future generations with pride and purpose.
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Crystal Graham
