Centre Hill Museum

Experience History and Elegance at Centre Hill Mansion

Centre Hill Mansion, dating back to 1823, was built by Revolutionary War veteran Robert Bolling IV. The Bollings were a very prominent family for many generations, and the land was granted to them by the King of England. Centre Hill is a magnificent example of Federal-style architecture, showcasing sophistication and grace.

With its stately columns and intricate moldings, Centre Hill captivates all who visit. The mansion’s timeless design and meticulous craftsmanship reflect the wealth of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle of the 19th century.

President Abraham Lincoln visited Union General George Hartsuff at Centre Hill on April 7, 1865, just days after the fall of Petersburg and Richmond. In 1909, President William Howard Taft lunched at the mansion. Centre Hill remained a lavish Petersburg residence until 1936. Often described as a symbol of the grandeur of nineteenth-century Virginia aristocracy, the home’s interior features outstanding examples of Greek Revival, Federal, and Colonial Revival architecture.

The basement galleries feature exhibitions on Petersburg’s history, including memorabilia and photographs from Centre Hill’s archives, a turn-of-the-century aviary of stuffed birds from Australia, and furnishings from First Baptist Church in Petersburg, the oldest African-American congregation in the United States.

Centre Hill has been used as a set for many feature films and TV series, including Killing Lincoln, Turn, and Mercy Street.

DID YOU KNOW?
On the evening of January 24, residents of Centre Hill heard what they believed to be ghosts of Civil War soldiers marching up and down the home’s staircase. A ghost watch is held annually on that date.