Crockett's Cove Presbyterian Church
Also known as: Cove Brick Church; VDHR File No. 98-27
Why it's listed
Crockett's Cove Presbyterian Church is a one-story brick building completed in 1858 in a long, narrow valley about twelve miles from Wytheville. Funded by the estate of Nancy Agnes Graham Crockett, it was built by contractor Wesley Johnson of Wytheville using bricks handmade and fired on site. Its low-pitched gable roof, symmetry and temple form reflect a simple, vernacular take on the Greek Revival style, though it lacks columns. Inside is a balcony traditionally known as the slave gallery. It is the oldest surviving church in Wythe County. After the Battle of Cove Mountain in May 1864, wounded Union soldiers were placed in the church, and seventeen died there. The congregation closed the church in 1907, and restoration began in 1940. Alterations include brick pilasters added to the side walls, new flooring in 1961 and a replacement metal roof. Services continue on a monthly schedule, and a churchyard cemetery adjoins the building.
Significance in brief: It is presented as a significant example of a brick, vernacular interpretation of the Greek Revival style, with its temple form, symmetry and simple brickwork. It is the oldest surviving church in Wythe County and within the bounds of the old Abingdon Presbytery. It also served as a Union hospital after the Battle of Cove Mountain on 10 May 1864.
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 92001373, listed October 15, 1992. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | VA 600 E of jct. with VA 603, Wytheville |
|---|---|
| County | Wythe County |
| Listed | October 15, 1992 |
| Reference number | 92001373 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1858 |
| Architect / builder | Wesley Johnson of Wytheville was the builder |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still used for worship: services are held every third Sunday evening, and the church is open for weddings and funerals. Restored beginning in 1940 after being closed from 1907. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 37.02626, -81.03725 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Religious properties are listed for their architectural or historical significance, not their religious use. Listing is honorary and does not restrict the congregation's use of the building. The federal rehabilitation credit is generally unavailable unless part of the building is income-producing; some state programmes and preservation grants do cover religious buildings. Federal funding or permits trigger Section 106 review.
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 92001373.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5187344
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.