Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 09/18/2008
NRHP Listing Date 11/14/2008
NRHP Reference Number 08001058
The Greek Revival-style Beaton-Powell House, completed in 1857, is significant for its architectural distinction and its association with two families who were instrumental in the development of the Town of Boykins, in Southampton County. The two-story, frame dwelling, with Italianate influences and featuring an elaborate two-level portico, was built by Edward Beaton, who founded Boykins in anticipation of the arrival of rail-based commerce to the area. Beaton calculated that the proposed Portsmouth and Roanoke Railway would be his ticket to recognition and financial security for himself and his family. The house passed to Edward’s son William, Boykins’s first postmaster and mayor, before ownership passed in 1902 to William Powell, who also served as mayor. Until 1996, the house remained in the Powell family, whose members contributed to Boykins’s commercial and civic life. Though it required a new roof from damage sustained from Hurricane Hazel in 1954, the house had remained essentially undisturbed at the time of its listing.
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 31, 2021
