Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Turkey Island

Photographed By Kathy Walker, August 3, 2007

1. Turkey Island Marker

Inscription. Soon after landing at Jamestown in May 1607. Captain Christopher Newport, while exploring the James River discovered Turkey Island (two miles south). He named it for the large number of wild turkeys there. In 1684, William Randolph purchased Turkey Island; it then became the seat of the Randolph family. His descendants included Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and Robert E. Lee. Robert Pickett acquired Turkey Island in 1836. During the Civil War, the large family dwelling was burned by Union troops. Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett and his family lived there in a small cottage after the war.

Erected 1994 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number V-5.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Natural Features • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1607.

Location. 37° 24.369′ N, 77° 16.167′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. Marker is at the intersection of New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) and Curles Neck Road, on the right when traveling east on New Market Road. Touch for map

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. Marker is in this post office area: Henrico VA 23231, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Engagement at Malvern Cliffs (here, next to this marker); The Flood of 1771 (here, next to this marker); Turkey Island Mansion (here, next to this marker); James Crewes (a few steps from this marker); Captain Thomas Harris (approx. 0.4 miles away); Curles Neck and Bremo (approx. 0.4 miles away); Nathaniel Bacon (approx. half a mile away); Malvern Cliffs (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . . William Randolph of Turkey Island. (Submitted on July 21, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed By Kathy Walker, August 3, 2007

2. Turkey Island Marker

Located alongside markers, Engagement at Malvern Cliffs, and The Flood of 1771.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 7,105 times since then and 447 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.