Downtown in Hampton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Southwest Corner

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2021

1. The Southwest Corner Marker

Inscription. This site has been a "merchants" corner from the earliest records. William Marshall, a sailor and the first owner, was murdered by sailors in 1689. John Smith, a blacksmith, acquired the property, selling a portion to John McDowell for his inn. William Westwood owned and occupied the site about the time of the Revolutionary War. By the 1850's the corner was known as "Face's Corner" because the owner, William Face, was a prominent citizen with a popular business. Edward King and subsequently his heirs rented to a variety of businesses: Robert Marcus' clothing store, Bellamy Pharmacy and the Palm Restaurant. The King building, built in 1884, was torn down in 1968. The Virginia National Bank, now Sovran Bank, erected the present building in 1970, the first in the "Old Hampton Project".

Erected 1985 by Sovran Bank in cooperation with The Woman's Club of Hampton, Virginia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1689.

Location. 37° 1.54′ N, 76° 20.659′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of West Queens Way and South King Street, on the right when traveling east on West Queens Way. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 W Queens Way, Hampton VA 23669, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. King and Queen Streets (a few steps from this marker); The Northeast Corner (a few steps from this marker); The Southeast Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sclater Building (within shouting distance of this marker); F.W. Woolworth Co. Building (within shouting distance of this marker); McDowell's Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); The Magnolia Tree Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); The Masonic Temple (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2021

2. The Southwest Corner Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 8, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.