Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 04/20/1976
NRHP Listing Date 08/11/1976
DHR's Virginia Board of Historic Resources easement
NRHP Reference Number 76002227
Nathaniel Friend, Jr., an import-export merchant and former mayor of the city, had this imposing example of Petersburg’s Federal-style architecture built in 1815-16. Standing across Cockade Alley from the Farmers’ Bank, the Friend House is in the heart of Petersburg’s historic commercial area. Although the enormous dwelling remained vacant for many years and had its first floor altered, the excellent Federal woodwork of the upper floors remained largely intact. Following the failure of several private attempts at restoration, the property was acquired for preservation by the city, which undertook basic structural stabilization. Despite its neglected state, Nathaniel Friend’s mansion was considered to be a pivotal historic and architectural resource for the Petersburg community. Ultimately it was successfully rehabilitated. It now stands as a noteworthy example of the many achievements that the city has achieved through its preservation efforts since the property was listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register.
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 19, 2021
