Near Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Governor's Land

— Greensprings Interpretive Trail —

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

1. The Governor's Land Marker

Inscription. In November 1618 the Virginia Company of London, under whose sponsorship the Virginia colony was founded, reserved a 3,000-acre tract near Jamestown for the use of the incumbent governor. That policy endured until the close of the American Revolution. During the early 17th century, the Governor's Land, which includes this site, abutted the James River and extended from Jamestown Island to Lake Pasbehay. In 1625, the Governor's Land, considered a suburb of Jamestown, was home to 75 men, women and children. These 22 or more households comprised nearly a fourth of the people living in the territory known as James Cittie.

Erected by James City County Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1618.

Location. 37° 14.723′ N, 76° 47.369′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. It can be reached from John Tyler Highway (Virginia Route 5) east of Greensprings Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Greensprings Interpretive Trail. The address given is for

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Jamestown High School, which includes the northern trailhead and parking area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3751 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

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: The Battle of Green Spring (within shouting distance of this marker); Abandoned Farm Equipment (within shouting distance of this marker); Mainland Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); Agriculture on the Mainland (within shouting distance of this marker); a different

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

2. The Governor's Land Marker

The field beyond is bordered on the far right by the Virginia Capital Trail.

marker also named Governor's Land (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Life on the Main (about 400 feet away); Bacon's Rebellion (about 500 feet away); Tobacco, The Money Crop (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Bacon's Rebellion (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

The Governor's Land - Green Spring image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 5, 2026

3. The Governor's Land - Green Spring

The site of Green Spring, the seat of Governor's Land and the homesite of Gov. Berkeley, is owned by the National Park Service but is not an interpreted, publicly accessible site. This view looks from the locked gate towards the house site, which would be to the left obscured here by the trees on the landscaping berm. The berms on either side of this old road are historic, with the one on the right being part of the terracing system used by the Ludwell and Lee families when they came into possession of the property following Berkeley's death. The Green Spring house built following Berkley's death was on the terrace to the right, obscured again by the berm's trees. The brick structure in the distance is the most intact feature of the site, though its purpose is unknown; it is referred to as the "old jail" in a variety of texts and sat just south of the road that wove through the property from the lowlands and marshes between Green Spring and Jamestown. It was here at Green Spring that some of Bacon's rebels were hung.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.