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

Mainland Farm

— Greensprings Interpretive Trail —

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

1. Mainland Farm Marker

Inscription. Mainland Farm is considered to be the oldest continuously cultivated farm in America's English settlement. This historic property, which lies with the Governor's Land, has been under cultivation since at least 1616, for Sir Thomas Dale, the colony's deputy-governor from 1611-1616, allowed settlers to establish homesteads in "The Maine." In 1997, the remaining 214 acres of 3,000 acres were protected permanently thanks to the collaborative efforts of James City County and the Williamsburg Land Conservancy. The protection of significant cultural resources, the conservation of prime agricultural land, and the preservation of sensitive and ecologically important wetlands, are among the numerous benefits of this historic land acquisition.

Erected by James City County Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1616.

Location. 37° 14.723′ N, 76° 47.347′ W. Marker is near James City County in Williamsburg, Virginia. It can be reached from Greenspring Trail. Marker is on the Greensprings

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Interpretive Trail. The address given is the address for 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 (here, next to this marker); Agriculture on the Mainland (a few steps from this marker); Abandoned Farm Equipment (a few steps from this marker); The Governor's Land (within shouting distance

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

2. Mainland Farm Marker

of this marker); Early Life on the Main (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Governor's Land (about 400 feet away); Bacon's Rebellion (about 600 feet away); Tobacco, The Money Crop (about 700 feet away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. Bacon's Rebellion (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

3. Mainland Farm Marker

The Mainland Farm marker is nearest the camera. There are four total markers at this clearing & bench spot.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 28 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.