Although the Gothic Revival style never completely dominated America’s architectural scene as did the Greek Revival, the Gothic nonetheless permeated many aspects of the built environment, especially ecclesiastical works. This was especially so with the Episcopal Church which wanted to acknowledge its Medieval roots and its relation to the magnificent creations of the Age of Religion. Many 19th-century American Episcopal churches thus displayed references to the lofty Gothic grandeur. A small country church such as Immanuel Episcopal Church in Hanover County could find itself decked out with pinnacles, pointed windows, and buttresses—echoing buildings long ago and far away. As originally built in 1853, Immanuel was a plain rectangular structure. It acquired its Gothic character in an 1881 remodeling, which included the façade with its stepped parapet, finials, and “rose” window. One of the state’s most picturesque churches, Immanuel Episcopal Church serves an active parish.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
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Programs
DHR has secured permanent legal protection for over 700 historic places - including 15,000 acres of battlefield lands
DHR has erected 2,532 highway markers in every county and city across Virginia
DHR has registered more than 3,317 individual resources and 613 historic districts
DHR has engaged over 450 students in 3 highway marker contests
DHR has stimulated more than $4.2 billion dollars in private investments related to historic tax credit incentives, revitalizing communities of all sizes throughout Virginia