Williamsburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Mattey Free School

Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 28, 2021

1. Mattey Free School Marker

Inscription. In 1706, Mary Whaley founded the "Mattey Free School" in memory of her son, Matthew, who died at age 9. In 1741, she left an endowment to educate the children of Williamsburg. In 1870, the College of William and Mary used these funds to build a lab school where the Governor's Palace stands today. During the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, the school was rebuilt on this site. It was dedicated in 1931 and renamed "The Matthew Whaley School" in honor of Mary's son.

This statue commemorated the 75th anniversary of the school. Dedicated May 2007

Erected 2007.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Colonial Era • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1706.

Location. 37° 16.425′ N, 76° 42.252′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Scotland Street and North Nassau Street, on the left when traveling east on Scotland Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 Scotland St, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

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: Gowan Pamphlet (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Carter House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Within this Enclosure

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(about 600 feet away); Shop of Kenneth McKenzie (about 600 feet away); Palace Gardens Cemetery (about 600 feet away); The Governor's Palace & Gardens (about 600 feet away); The Armistead House (about 600 feet away); Virginia Road Wagon (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 28, 2021

2. Mattey Free School Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 28, 2021

3. Mattey Free School Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 28, 2021

4. Mattey Free School Marker

Small memorial marker a few feet to the east of the sculpture. Appears to have no relation to it other than dedicating the garden the sculpture it is in.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 489 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 4, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.