Williamsburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Public Gaol

Photographed by Nate Davidson, March 2, 2014

1. The Public Gaol Marker

Inscription. This was Virginia's chief prison which housed debtors and criminals and served as the jail for the General Court in the nearby Capitol. Here Blackbeard's pirates, captured in 1718, were confined until the day of their hanging. Leg irons, an exercise yard, food slots, and criminal cells with primitive sanitation have been restored to their early appearance.

Erected by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1718.

Location. 37° 16.35′ N, 76° 41.6′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia. It can be reached from East Nicholson Street west of North Waller Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Secretary's Office (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Capitol (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Capitol (about 400 feet away); Powell’s Tenement (about 400 feet away); Booker Tenement (about 400 feet away); Charlton's Coffeehouse (about 400 feet away); Edinburgh Castle Tavern (about 500 feet away); Palmer House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

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Photographed by Nate Davidson, March 2, 2014

2. The Public Gaol

Photographed by Nate Davidson, March 2, 2014

3. The Public Gaol

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2014, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 725 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 28, 2014, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.