Machipongo in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The African American Almshouse

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, August 12, 2017

1. The African American Almshouse Marker

Inscription.
In 1910, a new facility for the African American poor of Northampton County was constructed by contractor David A. Dunton at a cost of $2,436.00 It consisted of a large common room and ten separate rooms for the residents, known as inmates. Each room could be fitted with a small stove. A porch extended along the south facing facade.

Local families often brought food to supplement the rations of the poor. There exists a reference to a birthday party honoring an elderly lady inmate.

Very few inmates, if any, were in residence by the closing of the institution. Today, the African American Almshouse serves the community for meetings and educational purposes.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 37° 24.269′ N, 75° 54.275′ W. Marker is in Machipongo, Virginia, in Northampton County. Marker can be reached from Young Street west of Lankford Highway (U.S. 13), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7295 Young St, Machipongo VA 23405, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Northampton County Almshouse At Machipongo (a few steps from this marker); Wooden Remnant (a few steps from this marker); The Quarter Kitchen

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(a few steps from this marker); The Barrier Islands Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Grace and William Eyre (within shouting distance of this marker); Edward Franklin and Dorothy "Dot" Wise Gibb (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Almshouse Farm at Machipongo (within shouting distance of this marker); Relic from Spanish Steamship (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Machipongo.

Also see . . . Barrier Islands Center. (Submitted on August 14, 2017.)

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, August 12, 2017

2. The African American Almshouse Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 293 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.