Great Bridge in Chesapeake, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Norfolk County Almshouse
Photographed By Chris Bieber, November 8, 2010
1. Norfolk County Almshouse Marker
Inscription.
Norfolk County Almshouse. . During the colonial period, the established church cared for the poor as in Great Britain. Beginning in the late 18th century, local governments began to appoint overseers of the poor instead to support indigents with donated funds or house them in facilities built for the purpose. On 18 Dec. 1854, George A. Wilson donated 175 acres here to the Norfolk County overseers for an almshouse. The county cared for its indigent citizens here from 1855 to 1929, when the facility closed and the residents were moved to the Norfolk City Home. The City of Chesapeake Civic Center now stands on the site.
During the colonial period, the established church cared for the poor as in Great Britain. Beginning in the late 18th century, local governments began to appoint overseers of the poor instead to support indigents with donated funds or house them in facilities built for the purpose. On 18 Dec. 1854, George A. Wilson donated 175 acres here to the Norfolk County overseers for an almshouse. The county cared for its indigent citizens here from 1855 to 1929, when the facility closed and the residents were moved to the Norfolk City Home. The City of Chesapeake Civic Center now stands on the site.
Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number KY-6.)
Location. 36° 42.93′ N, 76° 14.835′ W. Marker is in Chesapeake, Virginia. It is in Great Bridge. Marker is at the intersection of Library Drive and Shea Drive, on the left when traveling north on Library Drive. On the grounds of the Chesapeake Municipal Center across the street from the main entrance to the Central Library. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chesapeake VA 23323, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2010, by Chris Bieber of Chesapeake, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,463 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 14, 2010, by Chris Bieber of Chesapeake, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
