Machipongo in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The African American Almshouse
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 12, 2017
1. The African American Almshouse Marker
In 1910, a new facility for the African American poor of Northampton County was constructed by contractor David A. Dunton at a cost of $2,436.00 It consisted of a large common room and ten separate rooms for the residents, known as inmates. Each room could be fitted with a small stove. A porch extended along the south facing facade.
Local families often brought food to supplement the rations of the poor. There exists a reference to a birthday party honoring an elderly lady inmate.
Very few inmates, if any, were in residence by the closing of the institution. Today, the African American Almshouse serves the community for meetings and educational purposes.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 24.269′ N, 75° 54.275′ W. Marker was in Machipongo, Virginia, in Northampton County. It could be reached from Young Street west of Lankford Highway (U.S. 13), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker was on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, on the Delmarva Peninsula, in the Tidewater, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: A different marker also named The African American Almshouse (here, next to this marker); Northampton County Almshouse At Machipongo (a few steps from this marker); Wooden Remnant (a few steps from this marker); The Quarter Kitchen (1844) (a few steps from this marker); The Quarter Kitchen (1804) (within shouting distance of this marker); The Barrier Islands Center (within shouting distance
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 12, 2017
2. The African American Almshouse Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Gristmill Grindstones (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); The Quarter Kitchen (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Cauldron (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Barrier Islands Center. (Submitted on August 14, 2017.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 553 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
