Valentines in Brunswick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Brunswick Circuit
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, October 27, 2012
1. Brunswick Circuit Marker
Inscription.
Brunswick Circuit. . The Brunswick Circuit, established in 1773 by Robert Williams, is likely the oldest Methodist circuit in America. It extended from Petersburg south into North Carolina, and became known as the cradle of Methodism in the South. By 1776, the remarkably popular circuit had grown to over 1500 members. Nearby is Canaan, home of one of its first ministers and his family, Edward Dromgoole, known for his patriotism and vigorous preaching. Dromgoole helped found Ebenezer Academy, the first Methodist school in VA and possibly in America. Canaan was an important hospitality and educational stop for Methodist preachers, including the first American Methodist Bishop, Francis Asbury.
The Brunswick Circuit, established in 1773 by Robert Williams, is likely the oldest Methodist circuit in America. It extended from Petersburg south into North Carolina, and became known as the cradle of Methodism in the South. By 1776, the remarkably popular circuit had grown to over 1500 members. Nearby is Canaan, home of one of its first ministers and his family, Edward Dromgoole, known for his patriotism and vigorous preaching. Dromgoole helped found Ebenezer Academy, the first Methodist school in VA and possibly in America. Canaan was an important hospitality and educational stop for Methodist preachers, including the first American Methodist Bishop, Francis Asbury.
Erected 2010 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number S-84.)
in Valentines, Virginia, in Brunswick County. It is on Christanna Highway (Virginia Route 46) half a mile north of Gasburg Road (County Road 626), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Valentines VA 23887, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Virginia, specifically in the Piedmont, and in Southside 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.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Fort Christanna (was approx. 10 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 646 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
