Monumental Church

  • Also Known As: Monumental Episcopal Church

  • Travel Genus: Sight
  • Sight Category: Building

Monumental Church is a nationally significant memorial in honor of the victims of a disastrous theater fire. The building is also among America's earliest and most distinctive Greek Revival churches designed by one of the nation's most important early architects. The Richmond Theatre was in a wood-frame building that stood on the site of Monumental Church in the opening decades of the 19th century. This theater was a center of activity in Richmond during the busy winter social season. Tragically, disaster struck in December 1811. Stage scenery caught on fire. The fire spread quickly and engulfed the building. More than 70 citizens, including the governor, burned or suffocated in the melee to escape. The toll would have been greater without the heroic efforts of Gilbert Hunt, a slave blacksmith, and others who rescued individuals from the conflagration. - NPS


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Timeline

Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
1788/06/02 David Looney Delegate from Sullivan County Delegates of the Virginia Convention begin deliberating the ratification of the National Constitution at the Richmond Theatre (lost). Eight states had already voted to ratify, leaving New Hampshire, New York and Virginia to vote on ratification. Constitution of the United States
1788/06/02 Alexander Scott Bullitt Delegate from District of Kentucky The Virginia Ratifying Convention meets in Richmond to consider the ratification of the United States Constitution. Alexander S Bullitt is one of the 14 delegates from Kentucky. Constitution of the United States
1788/06/24 George Wythe Delegate George Wythe proposes a resolution to ratify the United States Constitution. Constitution of the United States
1788/06/25 Nathaniel Burwell Delegate from James City County With Patrick Henry pushing for a federal Bill of Rights, the delegates to the Virginia Convention ratify the United States Constitution by a vote of 89 to 79 vote. Constitution of the United States
1788/06/25 Patrick Henry Delegate With Patrick Henry pushing for a federal Bill of Rights, the delegates to the Virginia Convention ratify the United States Constitution by a vote of 89 to 79 vote. Constitution of the United States
1788/06/27 Hon Cuthbert Bullitt Delegate The representative from Prince William County Virginia, Cuthbert Bullitt, votes against ratification of the United States Constitution at the Virginia Ratification Convention.
1811/12/26 Benjamin Botts Died Richmond Theatre fire kills 72 people. Richmond Theatre Fire
1811/12/26 Sarah Henry Scott Survivor Sarah Henry is rescued from the Richmond Theatre fire by Alexander Scott of Fauquier County. Scott breaks his leg during the fire. Richmond Theatre Fire
1812/00/00 Robert Mills Architect Chief Justice John Marshall commissions Robert Mills to design the Monumental Church, built 1812-1814.
1812/00/00 John Marshall (Chief Justice) Developer Chief Justice John Marshall commissions Robert Mills to design the Monumental Church, built 1812-1814.
1814/00/00 Edgar Allan Poe Faith Allan family, foster parents of Edgar Allan Poe, occupied pew No 80.
1824/10/31 Marquis de Lafayette Visitor Marquis de Lafayette attends church at Monumental Church in Richmond, VA. Lafayette's Triumphal Tour of America

Places

PlaceAsNotedInType
PlaceAsNotedInType
St Paul's Episcopal Church
  • NRHP

Data »

Particulars for Monumental Church:
Area of Significance Architecture
Criteria Architecture-Engineering
Sight Category Building
Criteria Consideration Commemorative property
Architectural Style Greek Revival
Historic Use Monument, Marker
Level of Significance National
Owner Private
Historic Use Religious Property



US National Registry of Historic Places Data »

Accurate at time of registration:

PLACE DETAILS
Registry Name:
Registry Address:
Registry Number: 69000326
Resource Type:
Owner: Private
Architect: Mills, Robert
Architectural Style: Greek revival
Other Certification: Designated National Landmark
Nominator Name: National Historic Landmark
CULTURAL DETAILS
Level of Significance: National
Area of Significance: Architecture
Applicable Criteria: Architecture-Engineering
Criteria Consideration: Commemorative property, Religious property
Period of Significance: 1800-1824
Significant Year: 1812, 1814
Historic Function: Religion, Recreation and Culture
Historic Sub-Function: Monument, Marker, Religious structure
Current Function: Recreation and Culture, Religion
Current Sub-Function: Religious structure Monument, Marker

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