Valentines in Brunswick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Brunswick Circuit

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 27, 2012

1. Brunswick Circuit Marker

Inscription. 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.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Francis Asbury, Traveling Methodist Preacher, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1773.

Location. 36° 34.462′ N, 77° 49.32′ W. Marker is in Valentines, Virginia, in Brunswick County. Marker is on Christanna Highway (Virginia Route 46) half a mile north of Gasburg Road (

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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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mason's Chapel (approx. 0.6 miles away); Brunswick County, Virginia (approx. 2.3 miles away); Raleigh and Gaston Railroad (approx. 8.1 miles away in North Carolina); Allen Jones (approx. 8.6 miles away in North Carolina); Fort Christanna Historical Site (approx. 10 miles away); Native Americans and Fort Christanna (approx. 10 miles away); Governor Alexander Spotswood (approx. 10 miles away); Fort Christanna: Established 1714 (approx. 10 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valentines.

Christanna Hwy (facing north) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 27, 2012

2. Christanna Hwy (facing north)

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 489 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.