Machipongo in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Site of the Almshouse Farm at Machipongo

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 12, 2017

1. Site of the Almshouse Farm at Machipongo Marker

Inscription. On October 9, 1803, William and Grace Eyre provided 51½ acres of land, the northeast corner of Eyre's "Hungars Plantation", to Northampton County to establish an almshouse. Shortly after 1804, the first almshouse for whites was built at this present location. The Northampton Board of Supervisors operated the Almshouse Farm from 1804 to 1952.

The Almshouse Farm buildings are significant because of their association with housing both white and african-american indigent persons in Northampton County from 1804-1952 and for being an integral part of Virginia's almshouse era.

The Almshouse Farm at Machipongo is a Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed on The National Register of Historic Places.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.

Location. 37° 24.267′ N, 75° 54.322′ W. Marker is in Machipongo, Virginia, in Northampton County. It can be reached from Young Street west of Lankford Highway (U.S. 13), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7295 Young St, Machipongo VA 23405, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Edward Franklin and Dorothy "Dot" Wise Gibb (a few steps from this marker); Grace and William Eyre

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(a few steps from this marker); The Barrier Islands Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Relic from Spanish Steamship (within shouting distance of this marker); Wooden Remnant (within shouting distance of this marker); Northampton County Almshouse At Machipongo (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The African American Almshouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Quarter Kitchen (1844) (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Machipongo.

Other markers no longer nearby. Relic from Spanish Steamship (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The African American Almshouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Gristmill Grindstones (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. Barrier Islands Center. (Submitted on August 14, 2017.)
2. Almshouse Farm at Machipongo. National Register

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 12, 2017

2. Site of the Almshouse Farm at Machipongo Marker

of Historic Place (Submitted on November 10, 2021.)

Barrier Islands Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 12, 2017

3. Barrier Islands Center

Almshouse Farm at Machipongo plaques image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 12, 2017

4. Almshouse Farm at Machipongo plaques

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 822 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 14, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 14, 2017.