Great Bridge in Chesapeake, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Norfolk County Almshouse

Photographed by Chris Bieber, November 8, 2010

1. Norfolk County Almshouse Marker

Inscription. During the colonial period, the established church cared for the poor as in Great Britain. Beginning in the late 18th century, local governments began to appoint overseers of the poor instead to support indigents with donated funds or house them in facilities built for the purpose. On 18 Dec. 1854, George A. Wilson donated 175 acres here to the Norfolk County overseers for an almshouse. The county cared for its indigent citizens here from 1855 to 1929, when the facility closed and the residents were moved to the Norfolk City Home. The City of Chesapeake Civic Center now stands on the site.

Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number KY-6.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 18, 1854.

Location. 36° 42.93′ N, 76° 14.835′ W. Marker is in Chesapeake, Virginia. It is in Great Bridge. It is at the intersection of Library Drive and Shea Drive, on the left when traveling north on Library Drive. On the grounds of the Chesapeake Municipal Center across the street from the main entrance to the Central Library. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chesapeake VA 23323, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: SSG Jonathan Kilian Dozier, USA (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chesapeake Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away); Never Forget (approx. 0.2 miles away); History of Norfolk County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Battle of Great Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Southern Branch Chapel / Battle of Great Bridge / Wilson Family (approx. half a mile away); Marine Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Battle of Great Bridge Monument (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chesapeake.

Photographed by Chris Bieber, November 8, 2010

2. Norfolk County Almshouse Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2010, by Chris Bieber of Chesapeake, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,284 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 14, 2010, by Chris Bieber of Chesapeake, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.