Gloucester in Gloucester County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Gloucester Courthouse Through Time
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 29, 2026
1. Gloucester Courthouse Through Time Marker
Botetourt Town becomes Gloucester Courthouse
In the early days of the county, Gloucester Town, now known as Gloucester Point, served as the main population center. This began to change in 1769 when Botetourt Town was established to the north as the legal and administrative center of the county. Primarily farmland at that time, the layout of the town centered on the 1766 courthouse and an adjacent tavern. From that point, new commercial and residential buildings were constructed down Main Street in an easterly direction towards the existing Edge Hill House. Due to this growth, Botetourt Town became more commonly known as Gloucester Courthouse or Gloucester Village by the early 1800s.
The Development of Main Street
Following the devastation of the Civil War, Gloucester remained rural, and the population hovered around 10,000. Main Street began to see more homes and businesses due in large part to the establishment of the Bank of Gloucester in 1906. Several of these businesses belonged to African Americans including an inn, a cleaners and tailor shop, and stables.
Agricultural fairs, jousting tournaments, the establishment
this page online
Gloucester Courthouse Today
During the mid-20th century, Gloucester Courthouse continued to serve as the county's downtown, with shops, restaurants, hotels, car dealerships, and banks. In 1952, ferry service across the York River ended, and the Coleman Bridge was constructed. It connected Gloucester to the region's larger cities to the south resulting in rapid population growth. Gloucester Courthouse remains a picturesque setting, home to local businesses, museums, and historic structures. Festivals, parades, and other events celebrating the county's heritage occur throughout the year along Main Street.
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Botetourt Building
Constructed around 1770 as a roadside tavern, it is one of the largest, as well as one of the few brick taverns surviving from the pre-Revolutionary period. Since 2000, this historic building has been home to the Gloucester Museum of History.
The Edge Hill House
Located at the intersection of Main Street and John Clayton Memorial Highway, The Edge Hill House was constructed c.1750. It has housed retail stores, carriage shops, a blacksmith, and has been used as a family home over the years. The Gloucester Woman's Club purchased the property in 1920 and preserves it to this day.
1. Tucker Store
Built circa 1890, this site was home to Tucker Store. Originally selling carriages, buggies, wagons, and related supplies, this photograph shows what the store looked like in 1900. By 1924, it was called W.C. Tucker's 5’ 10’ 25’ & $1 Store. The building later served as a law office.
It was demolished in 1984.
2. T.C. Walker House
Born enslaved, T.C. Walker became the county's first African American lawyer and encouraged land ownership at a time when Jim Crow Laws had formalized segregation in the south. To set an example, he purchased a two-story home along Main Street in 1900. By 1930, Gloucester had the highest ratio of Black farm ownership in the nation.
3. Main Street 1920
What a busy day! Looking northwest, many buildings are still recognizable today. The Bank of Gloucester with its columns is on the left. Gloucester Courthouse is in center. The Botetourt Hotel, the current Gloucester Museum of History, is on the right. In those days, the building had a first and second floor porch.
4. Edge Hill Service Station
Situated at the corner of Main Street and John Clayton Memorial Highway, is the 1930 Edge Hill Service Station. Today, the historic stucco building is Fairfield Foundation's Center for Archaeology, Preservation, and Education.
Beaverdam Park has over 8 miles of trails, a 635-acre freshwater lake, a fishing pier, picnic areas, playgrounds, and other outdoor amenities for everyone to enjoy.
Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Wahunsenacawh, lived in modern-day Gloucester. Captain John Smith wrote that he met Pocahontas at Werowocomoco in December 1607.
T.C. Walker Mural was commissioned in 2019 by the Cook Foundation. It honors the life and legacy of T.C. Walker, Gloucester's first African American lawyer.
Erected by Gloucester
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 29, 2026
2. Gloucester Courthouse Through Time Marker
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1607.
Location. 37° 24.922′ N, 76° 31.755′ W. Marker is in Gloucester, Virginia, in Gloucester County. It is on Main Street (Business U.S. 17) west of John Lemon Lane, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6523 Main Street, Gloucester VA 23061, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Middle Peninsula and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Tidewater, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 History of Gloucester County (here, next to this marker); Gloucester County, Virginia (here, next to this marker); The Daffodil Industry (here, next to this marker); Join the Adventure (here, next to this marker); John Smith Explores the Chesapeake (here, next to this marker); Daffodils Arrived Here With the Colonists (here, next to this marker); Gloucester Continues to Celebrate the Daffodil (here, next to this marker); A Sacred Place (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gloucester.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
