Monumental Church, 1224 East Broad Street, Richmond, Independent City, Virginia
Summary
Significance: Monumental Church (1812-14) was designed by architect Robert Mills to commemorate the deaths of seventy-two persons, including Virginia Governor George William Smith, who perished in an 1811 fire that destroyed a theater on the site. Conceived as both an active church and commemorative monument, its dual role is expressed by a stone memorial portico and adjoining octagonal church. As an early example of Greek Revival styling, Monumental Church is derived from the work and ideas of numerous renowned designers, especially Benjamin H. Latrobe. Mills, however, an American-trained architect who explored progressive concepts such as fireproof-construction techniques, is credited with synthesizing contemporary architectural trends into buildings that have become identified with the Federal era. Although Monumental Church was altered and enlarged during the late nineteenth century, subsequent rehabilitations have restored its original appearance.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-353
Survey number: HABS VA-1241
Building/structure dates: ca. 1812 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1845 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1870 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1879 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1894 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1899 Subsequent Work
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 69000326
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