Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Skipwith Academy
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, December 18, 2009
1. Skipwith Academy Marker
The architecture of this home boasts 14-inch walls, 3 sandstone mantel fireplaces and a circular turret stairway with leaded stained glass windows painted with medieval scenes. A curved driveway to the mansion originally wound through wooded landscaped grounds to Three Chopt Road. Two brick pillars adorned the entrance. For 32 years, the building was the home of Mrs. Helen Dixon's nursery school.
Erected 2001 by County of Henrico. (Marker Number HC-16.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 37° 35.988′ N, 77° 32.133′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. It is on Townes Road 0.1 miles west of Foster Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7344 Townes Road, Richmond VA 23226, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont and in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Outer Defenses (was approx. 1.1 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, December 18, 2009
2. Skipwith Academy Marker
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, December 18, 2009
3. Skipwith Academy
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, December 18, 2009
4. Skipwith Academy
Photographed by Evan Dwyer
5. Grey Skipwith Amnesty Application
Interestingly, Grey Skipwith swore in 1865 that he never served the Confederacy. He has no Compiled Service Record (CSR) on file in the National Archives' Confederate Records. Other sources on the Skipwith Family state Grey Skipwith was exempted from Confederate service for farming, and remained at home throughout the conflict. The marker's reference to his midshipman status in the Confederate Navy may therefore be in error.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 15, 2025
6. Skipwith Academy Marker and Renovated Bekeby House
An extension has been added to the building that significantly disrupts its historic appearance.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 15, 2025
7. Confederate Earthwork Trace
The slightest trace of Confederate defenses on Fort Hill are visible just behind the Skipwith Academy bus lot (formerly the courtyard). The remains of earthworks here was noted in a Richmond Times-Dispatch Article in August 2017.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,285 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on February 25, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 18, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 25, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.
