Oakridge
Why it's listed
Oakridge is a frame plantation house on a rolling 60-acre farm near Blackstone in Nottoway County, Virginia. Burwell Smith, who began buying land along Whetstone Creek and the Little Nottoway River in 1793, built it late in the eighteenth or early in the nineteenth century. Land tax records show buildings on the property by 1820, and tradition places the house around 1800. The dwelling has a two-story, three-bay western section and a story-and-a-half east wing, with Flemish-bond brick chimneys, modillion cornice, and nine-over-nine and nine-over-six window sash. Twentieth-century additions hold a kitchen and dining room. Inside, the side-passage plan includes recessed-panel wainscoting, mantels flanked by fluted Roman Doric pilasters, and many original six-panel doors. Its most notable feature is a Chinese Chippendale stair, a rare form in Virginia whose pattern has not been seen elsewhere. The house is valued as a representative home of a prosperous Southside tobacco-belt planter. It remains in excellent condition as a private residence.
Significance in brief: The nomination presents the house as a fine example of the residence of a prosperous Early Republican planter in Southside Piedmont Virginia. It is particularly noted for its Chinese Chippendale stair, since Chinese lattice stair railings are rare in Virginia and this particular pattern has not been observed elsewhere. The interior also retains decorated paneled mantels and many original doors and locks.
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 78003035, listed January 30, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | W of Blackstone off VA 626, Blackstone |
|---|---|
| County | Nottoway County |
| Listed | January 30, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78003035 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Burwell Smith |
| Architectural style | Early Republican; Chinese Chippendale stair |
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Agriculture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as occupied, in excellent condition, and used as a private residence and farm. |
| Acreage | 60 |
| Coordinates | 37.08446, -78.09038 (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 78003035.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q15263228
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.