Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 06/17/1998
NRHP Listing Date 04/14/2000
NRHP Reference Number 00000311
Built in 1853 by William B. Standard, the original house at Ben Dover, located in Goochland County, is most associated with architect Richard Upjohn. Ben Dover’s most notable inhabitant, William T. Reed, Sr., transformed the Italian Villa house into a 1920s Colonial Revival mansion. Reed, a close advisor to Governor Harry Byrd, headed a committee formed to reassess the efficiency of Virginia state government in the 1920s. Reed played a major role in abolishing what was perceived as unnecessary bureaucracy, resulting in reduced taxes, a balanced budget, and a surplus. Charles Lindbergh landed his plane in a Ben Dover field during one of his many visits with Reed.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: December 21, 2021
