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

Birthplace of George Wythe

Photographed by Kathy Dennehey, May 25, 2024

1. Birthplace of George Wythe Marker

Inscription. George Wythe (ca. 1726-1806), Revolutionary leader and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was very likely born at his family's Chesterville Plantation, about seven miles north. He later inherited the property. Wythe served in the House of Burgesses, the Second Continental Congress, the House of Delegates, the U.S. Constitutional Convention, and Virginia’s convention to ratify the U.S. Constitution. He helped revise Virginia's laws in light of Revolutionary principles. A preeminent attorney and teacher of the law, his students included Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and Henry Clay. Wythe was judge of Virginia’s High Court of Chancery from 1778 until his death.

Erected 2020 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-85.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1778.

Location. 37° 0.478′ N, 76° 21.585′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is at the intersection of LaSalle Avenue and Kecoughtan Road (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling south on LaSalle Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

area: Hampton VA 23661, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula

and in Coastal Virginia.

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: Chesterville (here, next to this marker); First Church at Kecoughtan (approx. 0.2 miles away); Battle of Hampton Roads (approx. 0.4 miles away); Stalemate in Hampton Roads (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fertile Hunting Grounds For The Indians (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Development Of Olde Wythe (approx. half a mile away); Little England Chapel (approx. half a mile away); Little England Chapel and Newtown (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.

Other

Photographed by Will Hrachovina, February 23, 2025

2. Birthplace of George Wythe Marker

markers no longer nearby. Wythe's Birthplace (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); First Battle of Ironclads (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location titled "Wythe's Birthplace".

Also see . . . Known for his lifelong pursuit of virtue, George Wythe is known as a teacher ... Excerpt:

Wythe was known for his lifelong pursuit of virtue, holding his government, particularly the legal system and those who worked within it, to a high moral standard. In letters during and after Wythe’s lifetime, Thomas Jefferson was quick to note his mentor’s virtue as “spotless” and “of the purest tint.”

(Submitted on May 28, 2024.)

George Wythe image. Click for full size.

Internet Archive

3. George Wythe

From The Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII, No. 4, April 1885.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2024, by Kathy Dennehey of Newport News, Virginia. This page has been viewed 599 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 28, 2024, by Kathy Dennehey of Newport News, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 23, 2025, by Will Hrachovina of Newport News, Virginia. 3. submitted on October 27, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.