Virginia State Seal Virginia Department of Historic Resources

133-0576 Godwin-Knight House

Godwin-Knight House
Photo credit: Bill Polhill, 1988

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For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF

VLR Listing Date 02/28/1992

NRHP Listing Date 08/24/1992

NRHP Reference Number 92001028

Chuckatuck‘s most conspicuous landmark, the Godwin-Knight House was the childhood home of Mills E. Godwin, Jr., who served as governor of Virginia for two terms, 1966-1970 and 1974-1978. The house displays architectural features from two distinct eras. Edward F. Wicks built what was a traditional side-passage house in 1856 on land he bought from Jennette Godwin. The house was remodeled in the Queen Anne style in 1900 by Charles B. Godwin, great-uncle of the governor. The most striking features of the change are the corner tower and the elaborate wrap-around front porch. Other additions include a tile vestibule and plaster embellishments in the parlor. Despite the exterior alterations, the original antebellum design is discernible and can be compared to a nearby Federal-period house that was a near twin to the earlier form.


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: August 4, 2021