VSDB
You are here
Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB)
1839–1846, Robert Cary Long Jr.; Thomas R. Blackburn, associate; later additions. 514 E. Beverley St.
-
(Photograph by Mark Mones) -
(Virginia Department of Historic Resources) -
(Photograph by Dell Upton) -
(Photograph by Dell Upton) -
(Photograph by Mark Mones)
Like its near neighbor, the Western State Hospital (AU27), VSDB was established, in 1838, during a reform era of providing dignified environments for those with special needs. This care is reflected in these buildings, which are among the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in Virginia. Long, a prominent Baltimore architect, worked at both institutions at about the same time. The role of Staunton architect Blackburn at VSDB is not clear, but he may have designed the monumental six-column Doric entrance portico, as he did for the Western State Hospital just one year later. Although the leafy VSDB campus has been expanded, originally the enormous Main Hall contained the entire school. In Main's plan, a hall connects the central section with the lateral wings and rear sections.
Writing Credits
If SAH Archipedia has been useful to you, please consider supporting it.
SAH Archipedia tells the story of the United States through its buildings, landscapes, and cities. This freely available resource empowers the public with authoritative knowledge that deepens their understanding and appreciation of the built environment. But the Society of Architectural Historians, which created SAH Archipedia with University of Virginia Press, needs your support to maintain the high-caliber research, writing, photography, cartography, editing, design, and programming that make SAH Archipedia a trusted online resource available to all who value the history of place, heritage tourism, and learning.