Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 02/21/1989
NRHP Listing Date 12/21/1990
NRHP Reference Number 89001919
The Henderson Building, the main building of Southwestern State Hospital in the town of Marion in Smyth County, was constructed in 1887 as part of Virginia’s program to provide expanded mental health care and services to its citizens. The hospital was one of several large regional facilities. Its domed centerpiece was designed by McDonald Brothers of Louisville, Ky., and was later named for Dr. E. H. Henderson, the hospital’s superintendent from 1915 until his death in 1927. The building was given an arresting visual presence by the 1930-31 addition of beautifully crafted Italian Renaissance-style galleries across the facade. Large connected wings, built in 1896 for hospital wards, were razed in 1986, and were replaced with more modern patient-care facilities. The main section, however, continues to house the administrative offices.
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: February 23, 2021
