Wigwam
Why it's listed
Wigwam is a rural house complex in Amelia County, Virginia, about eight miles northwest of Chula. It consists of two frame, one-and-a-half story structures set at right angles. The rear ell is believed to date from the late eighteenth century, while the front block, with larger windows and more refined interiors, was added in the early nineteenth century. The front has five bays, nine-over-nine sash windows and a central double-door entrance with sidelights and a transom. Inside, the front block keeps much of its original woodwork, including a stair with panels that diminish in height to create an exaggerated perspective, and mantels with an unusual central pilaster. Wigwam was the home of William Branch Giles (1762-1830), who served in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and as Governor of Virginia, and who opposed President Madison's policies during the War of 1812. Its historical associations and interior woodwork are the basis for its recognition.
Significance in brief: The property was the home of Governor William Branch Giles (1762-1830), a congressman, U.S. Senator and Governor of Virginia. It is also noted for the interior woodwork of its front block, which has unusual design features giving a Mannerist feeling.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 69000220, listed November 25, 1969. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 8 mi. NW of Chula, Chula |
|---|---|
| County | Amelia County |
| Listed | November 25, 1969 |
| Reference number | 69000220 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 18th and 19th centuries |
| Areas of significance | Art, Politics/Government |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as in fair condition, occupied, private residence; the ell interior has been altered and some paneling has been sanded to a natural finish. |
| Coordinates | 37.48151, -77.98896 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 69000220.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14713532
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.