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

Agriculture on the Mainland

— Greensprings Interpretive Trail —

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

1. Agriculture on the Mainland Marker

Inscription. A 1683 map reveals that the Governor's Land tract was then subdivided into numerous farms of various sizes. Many of those who leased acreage in the mainland actually resided in urban Jamestown. One was William Sherwood, an attorney who served in the colony's assembly. Another was George Marable, a James City County court justice who lived in a rowhouse on Jamestown's waterfront. A third was Captain William Armiger, who was involved in the slave trade. A 1781 map demonstrates that the Governor's Land still consisted of numerous farms that raised tobacco, grain crops and pasturage for livestock.

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 1683.

Location. 37° 14.727′ N, 76° 47.345′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. It can be reached from Greenspring Trail. Marker is on the Greensprings Interpretive Trail. The address given is the address for Jamestown High School, which includes the northern trailhead and parking area.

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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: Abandoned Farm Equipment (here, next to this marker); Mainland Farm (a few steps from this marker); The Battle of Green Spring (a few steps from this marker); The Governor's Land (within shouting distance 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

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

2. Agriculture on the Mainland Marker

Marker is the nearest of the two shown. There are four total markers in this clearing.

feet away); Bacon's Rebellion (about 600 feet away); Tobacco, The Money Crop (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

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

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 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.