Tangier in Accomack County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Connorton House

Photographed by Kevin W., August 11, 2010

1. The Connorton House Marker

Inscription.
The Connorton House was the home of the town Sergeant, Bud Connorton.

On Sunday April 11, 1920, Sergeant Connorton shot and wounded 17 year old Roland Parks. He was trying to enforce a town ordinance that forbade "loafing on store porches and streets on Sunday." The law required residents to be "in church during the hours of service, or in their homes." Parks alleged he was simply getting ice cream to take to his invalid mother.

Connorton turned himself in to county authorities, stood trail[sic], and was sentenced to one year in prison. He served a brief prison term before being pardoned by the Governor. He returned to Tangier as Deputy Sheriff. A few months later he was shot and killed. His assailant was never identified.

Roland Parks survived his wounds and later ran the family store, served on the town council and died peacefully in 1973.

Erected by Tangier History Museum & Interpretive Cultural Center.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Tangier History Museum & Interpretive Cultural Center series

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list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 11, 1920.

Location. 37° 49.549′ N, 75° 59.519′ W. Marker is in Tangier, Virginia, in Accomack County. It is on Main Ridge Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tangier VA 23440, 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: First Mobile Home (a few steps from this marker); Tangier History Museum and Interpretive Cultural Center (THMICC) (within shouting distance of this marker); The Peter Dise House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Joshua Pruitt House (within shouting distance

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 9, 2026

2. The Connorton House Marker

The marker has weathered a bit.

of this marker); Chesapeake House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Edward Crockett House (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanky's Place (within shouting distance of this marker); The Doctor's House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tangier.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Site where Bud Connorton was killed.

The Connorton House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., August 11, 2010

3. The Connorton House and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2011, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 978 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 28, 2011, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on May 10, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on January 28, 2011, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.