Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 03/10/1994
NRHP Listing Date 05/19/1994
DHR's Virginia Board of Historic Resources easement
NRHP Reference Number 94000459
Built ca. 1839 by the Sydnor family, Oakley Hill’s residence is representative of the numerous simple wood-frame houses that served the masters of the many small post-colonial plantations in the counties around Richmond. Most of these dwellings were situated inland, near creeks and springs, and contrasted in their simplicity with the mansions along the tidal rivers. Typically, Oakley Hill has little architectural pretension but achieves dignity by its placement at the end of a long, cedar-lined avenue. It was expanded just before the Civil War when a full second story was added. The conservative character illustrates the persistence of vernacular patterns, particularly the I-house form, in rural Virginia. On the grounds is a rare two-unit servants’ house and an early smokehouse. The Hanover County property was spared the Civil War action that decimated much of this rural neighborhood.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: August 4, 2022
