New Kent in New Kent County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

New Kent Ordinary

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, April 26, 2025

1. New Kent Ordinary Marker

Inscription. A tavern was likely constructed near this site in the 1690s, when New Kent's county seat was moved here. The present ordinary, built ca. 1736, belonged to the prominent Bassett family until 1859 but was often leased to innkeepers who managed the business. Sometimes referred to as Warren's Tavern, the ordinary accommodated visitors on busy court days. Situated on the main road to Williamsburg, it was a stopping place for military and government officials, including Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Tyler. The ordinary, re-configured in the 19th century and restored in 1964, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Erected 2020 by Virginia Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number WO-40.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1736.

Location. 37° 31.085′ N, 76° 58.667′ W. Marker is in New Kent, Virginia, in New Kent County. It is on New Kent Highway (Virginia Route 249) west of Courthouse Circle, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 12000 New Kent Highway, New Kent VA 23124, 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,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Confederate Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named New Kent Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); James Lafayette (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named James Lafayette (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Wilson Crump (1919-1995) (within shouting distance of this marker); Martha Washington's Birthplace

New Kent Ordinary image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, April 26, 2025

2. New Kent Ordinary

The structure was restored in the 1960s to its colonial appearance, including modifying the third story to the original roofline and dormer windows.

(within shouting distance of this marker); John Parke Custis / Martha Dandridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to New Kent (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Kent.

Another marker is no longer nearby. New Kent Courthouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . New Kent Ordinary. (Submitted on May 11, 2025.)

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, April 26, 2025

3. New Kent Ordinary

East Elevation of the tavern. The shed structure added to the rear of the building is a 20th century addition. The addition of a renovated basement bar and dining room is made apparent by the exterior appearance of the additional chimney and lower side entrance. Of the numerous buildings on the grounds, only the tavern itself is historic. The interior has been restored with period materials salvaged from other buildings around New Kent County, but does retain some original doors and framing.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, April 26, 2025

4. New Kent Ordinary

West elevation.

1937 Sketch of New Kent image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, April 26, 2025

5. 1937 Sketch of New Kent

Hanging in the New Kent Historical Society's Museum (in the bathroom) is this 1937 local sketch based on Pvt. Robert Sneden's 1862 drawing of New Kent Courthouse. The Ordinary is the building on the left. View is from the west; the staircase leading to the front porch is the same as the one shown in the previous photograph.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 9, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A link to the National Register nomination form with a citation of the Ordinary's historical significance. • Can you help?