An exploration of Staunton's five National Historic Districts
will help to give you a feel for what life was like
during the 19th century in Staunton.

Gospel Hill The corner of Beverley and Coalter Streets was called Gospel Hill in the late 1790s when religious meetings were held here at Samson Eagon's blacksmith shop. Today, the intersection marks the heart of this gracious neighborhood of shady streets and elegant homes that represent a century of domestic architectural styles.     Stuart Addition This diverse older neighborhood, adjoins the campus of Mary Baldwin College and the former Staunton Military Academy. Rich in historical associations, it boasts a number of buildings listed in the National Register and some of the steepest hills in town! The area, deeded to the city in 1803 by Judge Archibald Stuart, is now the Stuart Addition Historic District.   Newtown Deeded to the city by Alexander St. Clair in 1787, this area was called Newtown to distinguish it from the original part known, of course, as Oldtown. Staunton's oldest residential area encompasses the grounds of Stuart Hall School, historic Trinity Church, the landmark Stuart House and the city's first black church.   Beverley This compact urban area still retains its l9th-century charm and "Main Street" ambience. Although Staunton was founded in 1747, most of the buildings date from the "boom" years between 1860 and 1920. Downtown Staunton, one of Virginia's finest collections of Victorian era architecture, is listed in the National Register as the Beverley Historic District.   The Wharf When the Virginia Central Railroad was built in 1854, it changed Staunton from a rural village into a booming center of commerce. By the turn of the century, the warehouses that had grown up around the train depot supplied everything from fresh produce to wagons and harnesses. The Wharf HistoricDistrict was listed in the National Register in 1972 .

Free self-guided walking tour brochures are produced by the Historic Staunton Foundation, and are available at area Visitor Centers. The Staunton Visitors Center at the New Street Parking Garage, operates from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. - November through March, and 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. - April through October. Information at the center focuses on attractions in the City of Staunton, however, information about other Virginia attractions is also available. The phone number is 540-332-3971. The Staunton-Augusta Travel Information Center, sponsored by Staunton Convention and Visitors Bureau and Augusta County, offers important resources for travelers. The center is located at the Frontier Culture Museum off I-81 Exit 222, Route 250 W., entrance 1/4 mile on left at light. It is open daily (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day) from 9 a.m.-5p.m. The phone number is 540-332-3972 or toll free 800-342-7982. ...for more on historic districts, visit www.staunton.va.us

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