Machipongo in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Quarter Kitchen (1844)
In 1844, Northampton County authorized an 18' x 18' addition to the Quarter Kitchen, to serve as living quarters for the African American inmates. Prior to 1844, the African American population lived in the cellar of the main Almshouse. Pine trees harvested from the farm were used to construct the addition. This building was remodeled in 2019 to serve as a demonstration kitchen and media studio.
Erected by Barrier Islands Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 37° 24.28′ N, 75° 54.271′ W. Marker is in Machipongo, Virginia, in Northampton County. It can be reached from Young Street (County Road 627) west of Lankford Highway (U.S. 13), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7295 Young St, Machipongo VA 23405, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, on the Delmarva Peninsula, 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 Quarter Kitchen (1804) (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The African American Almshouse (a few steps from this marker); Wooden Remnant (within shouting distance of this marker); Northampton County Almshouse At Machipongo (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The Quarter Kitchen (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Gristmill Grindstones (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Cauldron (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); The African American Almshouse (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
