Near Auburn in Fauquier County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Neavil's Ordinary
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 22, 2007
1. Neavil's Ordinary Marker
Erected 1929 by Conservation & Development Commission. (Marker Number 7-BX.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, the George Washington Slept Here, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1748.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 42.232′ N, 77° 41.582′ W. Marker was near Auburn, Virginia, in Fauquier County. Marker was at the intersection of Old Dumfries Road (County Route 667) and Taylor Road / Old Auburn Road (County Route 670), on the right when traveling north on Old Dumfries Road. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Catlett VA 20119, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Neavil's Ordinary (here, next to this marker); Neavil’s Mill (approx. 0.4 miles away); Battle of Coffee Hill
this page online
Regarding Neavil's Ordinary. One of the most important businesses in early America was the 'ordinary,' also called a tavern, a public house of entertainment, or an inn. In the earliest days of the colonies, the 'ordinary,' which stuck around longer in the south, by the end of the 17th century the word tavern displaced 'ordinary' along the eastern seaboard.
Colonial travel, whether by foot, horse, cart, wagon, or riding chair proved difficult and tedious. For people who lived nearby, the ordinary became a place to gossip, exchange news, transact business such as selling land, hold auctions for livestock, pick up mail, and talk politics. It might even be a place to scheme about independence from England.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 22, 2007
2. Neavil's Ordinary Marker
Additional commentary.
1. Marker is Missing
On March 12, 2021, the marker was gone. It may have been hit by a passing motorist. No other information is available.
— Submitted March 19, 2021.
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 22, 2007
3. Neavil's Mill
To the west along Old Auburn Road is a recreation of Neavil's Mill. The Old Carolina Road, the main colonial era transportation route through this part of the county.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,303 times since then and 49 times this year. Last updated on February 15, 2023, by John Otten of Casanova, VA, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 23, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
