Near Ararat in Patrick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Historic Roadbed
Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, April 21, 2012
1. Historic Roadbed Marker
This road appears on maps dated as early as 1818, and was then known as the Old Sulphur Springs Road. As the road made its way to Mount Airy, it crossed present day Virginia route 773 and meandered across the fields to the left of Virginia route 773, and then rejoined the present day road a few hundred yards before it crossed the North Carolina state line. We do know that the old road crossed the state line at the same point as the present day road. It is thought that this old road was constructed along a portion of the eastern line of survey of David Bell's 2,816 acre patent obtained in 1753 which later became part of Elizabeth and Archibald Stuart's plantation called Laurel Hill.
David Alen & Jane Carter Vaughan of Lynchburg, VA and
Aec Charles & Lucy Lee Carter Wilson of Martinsville, VA
In Memory of Dr. George Adcock Carter, Surgeon, C.S.A.
Erected
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1750.
Location. 36° 33.74′ N, 80° 33.16′ W. Marker is near Ararat, Virginia, in Patrick County. It can be reached from Ararat Highway (Virginia Route 773). Located on the grounds of the Jeb Stuart Birthplace (Laurel Hill). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1091 Ararat Hwy, Ararat VA 24053, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Virginia and in the Blue Ridge Highlands. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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: Laurel Hill (a few steps from this marker); Stuart's Birthplace (within shouting distance of this marker); Stuart's Birthplace Marker (within shouting distance of this marker); The "Lee" Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); "Stuart the Raider" (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Laurel Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); "Fields Of Valor" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Stuart the Scout" (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ararat.
Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, April 21, 2012
2. Patrick County Courthouse
Relevance to Historic Roadbed unclear.
Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, April 21, 2012
3. Blue Ridge Hotel
This historic hotel was located in Mt. Airy, NC and is believed to have been a regular social destination for the young J.E.B. Stuart (see link on this page). Relevance to Historic Roadbed unclear.
Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, April 21, 2012
4. Historic Roadbed Marker
Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, April 21, 2012
5. Historic Roadbed and Marker
Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, April 21, 2012
6. Adjacent Laurel Hill Stone Marker
Entered on the Virginia Landmarks Register on January 23, 1998
Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, April 21, 2012
7. Historic Roadbed Marker
In this schematic drawing, the historic roadbed is the green vertical line in the center.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 708 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 21, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 7. submitted on November 22, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
