Near Brookneal in Campbell County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Nancy Case Kelly Memorial Herb Garden
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2026
1. The Nancy Case Kelly Memorial Herb Garden Marker
Herb gardens were also known as medicinal gardens as they were a very important part of plantations and small farms during the Colonial period. There were very few physicians, so the mistresses of these properties were responsible for having medicine readily available. Plants from this garden are used by the Patrick Henry Auxiliary docents for Colonial Medicine interpretations during living history presentations to school children as well as during special events at Red Hill. The plants are also used by the docents in the hearth kitchen when they demonstrate cooking.
One of the plants growing in this garden is Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). It was viewed as indispensable due to its many uses such as a remedy for earaches, toothaches, parasites, gout, arthritis, epilepsy, and cough. Another plant in this garden is Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). This was used as a gastrointestinal cure-all to settle the stomach, detoxify the kidneys, get rid of intestinal parasites, as well as an antidote for poison.
Erected by Patrick
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Horticulture & Forestry • Science & Medicine.
Location. 37° 1.943′ N, 78° 53.858′ W. Marker is near Brookneal, Virginia, in Campbell County. It can be reached from Red Hill Road (County Route 677), on the left when traveling south. Marker is located at the Patrick Henry National Memorial. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brookneal VA 24528, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont and in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in 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: Osage Orange Tree
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2026
2. The Nancy Case Kelly Memorial Herb Garden Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 2, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
