Near Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Six-Mile Ordinary

Photographed by Kathy Walker, July 13, 2009

1. Six-Mile Ordinary Marker

Inscription. Six-Mile Ordinary, a popular 18th-century tavern also known as Allen's for its proprietor Isham Allen, stood six miles from Williamsburg. On 1 July 1774, a group of free holders congregated there and drafted the James City Resolves not to import British goods. Two years later, they gathered again to declare their support for American Independence. On 21 April 1781, Col. James Innes notified the governor that 500 British infantrymen, 50 horses, and 4 pieces artillery had come ashore at Burwell's Ferry. Because of this unexpected event, Innes and his troops retreated to Six-Mile Ordinary around midnight.

Erected 1998 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-34.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 21, 1781.

Location. 37° 20.366′ N, 76° 45.261′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. It is at the intersection of Richmond Road (U.S. 60) and Lightfoot Road (County Route 646), on the right when traveling south on Richmond Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsburg VA 23188, 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: James City County / York County (approx. 1.9 miles away); Norge Depot (approx. 2.1 miles away); a different marker also named Spencer's Ordinary (approx. 2½ miles away); Hot Water / Centerville (approx. 2½ miles away); a different marker also named The Norge Depot (approx. 2.8 miles away); Lightfoot Home (approx. 2.8 miles away); Archaeological Analysis of Hot Water Tract (approx. 2.8 miles away); Brown Home (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Spencer's Ordinary (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Green Spring (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Six-Mile Ordinary, Spencer's Ordinary and Green Spring Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, July 13, 2009

2. Six-Mile Ordinary, Spencer's Ordinary and Green Spring Markers

View looking south on Route 60.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,684 times since then and 125 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.