Near Fairfield in Rockbridge County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

McDowell's Grave

Photographed by Kathy Walker, October 19, 2009

1. McDowell's Grave Marker

Inscription. Nearby is the cemetery that contains the grave of Capt. John McDowell, who died on 18 Dec. 1742 during a conflict between Iroquois Indians and colonial settlers. Although accounts differ on how the conflict arose, it resulted in the deaths of more than seventeen Indians and settlers including McDowell. To avert a war, Lieutenant Governor George Thomas, of Pennsylvania, mediated the conflict in 1744 with the Treaty of Lancaster. It was decided that Lieutenant Governor William Gooch, of Virginia, would pay the Iroquois a reparation of 100 pounds. Also buried at the cemetery are other members of the McDowell family.

Erected 2000 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number A-43.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 18, 1742.

Location. 37° 52.067′ N, 79° 18.613′ W. Marker is near Fairfield, Virginia,

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in Rockbridge County. It is on North Lee Highway (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling south. Located at a crossover on Route 11 alongside the Red House and the McDowell Family (A-45) and the Dr. Ephraim McDowell markers. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairfield VA 24435, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dr. Ephraim McDowell (here, next to this marker); Red House and the McDowell Family (here, next to this marker); Cherry Grove Estate (approx. ¾ mile away); Timber Ridge Church (approx. 3.1 miles away); Settlement at Timber Grove

Photographed by Kathy Walker, October 19, 2009

2. McDowell's Grave Marker

Shown alongside Red House and the McDowell Family (A 45) and Dr. Ephraim McDowell markers

(approx. 3.1 miles away); Liberty Hall Academy (approx. 3.1 miles away); Church Hill (approx. 3.2 miles away); a different marker also named Birthplace of Sam Houston (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfield.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Birthplace of Sam Houston (was approx. 3.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Kathy Walker, October 19, 2009

3. McDowell's Grave Marker

Looking north

Field behind marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, October 19, 2009

4. Field behind marker

Looking west

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,151 times since then and 143 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 28, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.