Small Towns of Virginia Series

Small Towns of Virginia Series - Hanover

The Historic Hanover Courthouse Building built in 1735.

The small village of Hanover sits as the County Seat of growing Hanover County. Surrounded by centuries of history, this town of nearly 500 people along US Route 301 has lodged many famous dignitaries at an over two centuries old tavern and has been the birthplace of many notable names in American History. The historic courthouse that sits off of the main highway was built in 1735. Patrick Henry would make a name for himself here when he argued the Parson's Case in 1763.

The well-known Hanover Tavern

Directly across from the historic Courthouse building stands an equally historic location, Hanover Tavern. Since 1733, a tavern has located its site. The oldest part of the current building dates to 1791. Many well-known names in early American history stayed at the Hanover Tavern site. George Washington, Marquis de LaFayette, and Lord Cornwallis spent time here. As did Patrick Henry when he argued the 1763 Parson's case. The tavern would see years of use diminish as the automobile era lessened the need for overnight stays. The tavern would remain active through World War II, but by the 1950s, it would sit almost empty. In 1953, a group of New York actors would buy the tavern, restore it, and start the Barkdale Theatre. It was a very popular Richmond destination into the 1980s. In 1990, the Hanover Tavern Foundation was formed, and they purchased the building and the surrounding land. The group began a restoration in the mid-90s and in 2004-05 began another restoration. Today, the Hanover Tavern hosts dinners and banquets, art showings, historical reenactments, and other civic events.

The Hanover Cafe adds to the charm of modern day Hanover.

Today, Hanover is a small village that sits on US 301. It is full of history and is worth taking 30 minutes out of your travels to walk around and experience.

Site Navigation:

Return to Small Towns of Virginia Series Index

Comments

Bleriot Ferry - Alberta

Alberta operates six ferries scattered throughout the province. Roughly twenty to twenty-five kilometers up the Red Deer River from the town of Drumheller is one of the most scenic ferry crossings in all of Wild Rose Country, the Bleriot Ferry. Using the North Dinosaur Trail (Alberta Highway 838, or AB 838), the Bleriot Ferry provides a scenic river cruise of sorts in the Canadian Badlands. The Bleriot Ferry started operating in 1913 as the Munson Ferry when a few bridges crossed the Red Deer River. The ferry was started by Andre Bleriot, the brother of famed early aviator Louis Bleriot, who became famous for being the first person to fly over the English Channel. At the time, the Alberta provincial government commissioned local residents to run the ferries. There were several ferries along the Red Deer River, and not only did they serve as vital transportation links, but they also served as local social hubs, since everyone had to take the ferries to go places. Over time, as the...

The Pollasky Bridge

The Pollasky Bridge near modern day Friant is a ruined highway bridge which was completed during early 1906 as part of the Fresno-Fresno Flats Road. The structure is one of the oldest known arch concrete spans to have been constructed in California. The bridge briefly carried California State Route 41 following the destruction of the Lanes Bridge in 1940. The Pollasky Bridge itself was destroyed by flooding during 1951, but the ruins can still be found on the Madera County side of the San Joaquin River. Pictured as the blog cover is the Pollasky Bridge as it was featured in the 1913 book "The Concrete Bridge." The structure can be seen crossing the San Joaquin River near Friant below on the 1922 United States Geological Survey Map. Part 1; the history of the Pollasky Bridge The Pollasky Bridge site is near modern day Friant of Fresno County. The community of Friant was established as Converse Ferry during 1852 on the San Joaquin Rive...

I-73/I-74 and NC Future Interstates Year in Review 2024

Welcome to another annual review of progress in constructing North Carolina's New and Future Interstate routes. While 2024 was not too exciting, with no new segments of major routes opening, there was 1 new interstate signing, another proposed new interstate route, and the near opening of a new segment for 2 routes. As tradition, I will start off with a review of what happened with I-73 and I-74 and then move on to the major news of the year about the other new and future routes. Work continued on the I-73/I-74 Rockingham Bypass through the year. The last few months have been hoping for news of its opening before 2025, without luck. Signs of its near completion included the placement of new signs, many with interstate shields uncovered, along the Bypass and intersecting roadways. For example, these went up along US 74 East: Overhead signage at Business 74 exit which contains the future ramp to I-73 North/I-74 West. Signage was also updated heading west on US 74 approaching the unop...

Gribblenation

Search This Blog