Emporia, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Butts Tavern
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 9, 2009
1. Butts Tavern Marker
According to local tradition, the first court meeting for newly formed Greensville County occurred in Butts Tavern two blocks east on 22 Feb. 1781. Built about 1770 at the intersection of Fort Christianna and Halifax Roads for William Edwards, the tavern was named for John Butts, who owned it early in the 19th century. By midcentury, the tavern was either remodeled or enlarged to become a Greek Revival-style frame dwelling. After the Civil War, Sallie W. Reese operated the Belfield Seminary for Young Ladies and Children there between 1877 and 1891. While undergoing restoration, the building was damaged by fire on 10 Feb. 1965. The ruins were demolished in 1968.
Erected 1999 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number UM-51.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1781.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 36° 41.533′ N, 77° 32.388′ W. Marker was in Emporia, Virginia. It was at the intersection of
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in Southside Virginia and specifically in Central Virginia. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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: Fearnought (a few steps from this marker); John Day (within shouting distance of this marker); Hicksford Raid (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Emporia Railroad History (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tarleton's Movements (approx. 0.2 miles away); Meherrin River Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Samuel Wilbert Tucker (1913~1990) (approx. Ό mile away); Hicksford Raid Monument (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Emporia.
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 9, 2009
2. North Main Street (facing north)
Photographed by Dave W, June 24, 2023
3. Butts Tavern Marker
Marker is missing. Would be just beyond the 'Fearnought' marker seen here.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,793 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on June 25, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on June 25, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.
