Timber Ridge in Rockbridge County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Settlement at Timber Grove
Photographed by Dave W, August 24, 2024
1. Settlement at Timber Grove Marker
Timber Grove, two miles northeast, is believed to be the first European American settlement in what is now Rockbridge County. The community, composed mainly of Scots-Irish immigrants, had been formed by the late 1730s. Presbyterian minister John Craig, who traveled extensively in the backcountry, baptized several residents in 1741, and a meetinghouse had been constructed by 1748. A small cemetery is the only remnant of this settlement. In 1755-56, community members built the stone Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church here. John Mackey, traditionally regarded as the area's first European settler, is buried in this church's cemetery: his gravestone is significant because of its age and craftsmanship.
Erected 2022 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number A 137.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era • Immigration • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1741.
Location. 37° 50.573′ N, 79° 21.493′ W. Marker is in Timber Ridge, Virginia, in Rockbridge County. It is at the intersection of Sam Houston Way and Timber Ridge Road, in the median on Sam Houston Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 73 Sam Houston Way, Lexington VA 24450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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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 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Timber Ridge Church (a few steps from this marker); Liberty Hall Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); Church Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Birthplace of Sam Houston (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Birthplace of Sam Houston (about 300 feet away); Cedar Grove (approx. 3.1 miles away); Red House and the McDowell Family (approx. 3.1 miles away); Dr. Ephraim McDowell (approx. 3.1 miles away).
Another marker is no longer nearby. Birthplace of Sam Houston (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Dave W, August 24, 2024
2. Settlement at Timber Grove Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2024, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 467 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 25, 2024, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
