Siah Hulett was a 23-year-old enslaved carpenter whose cabin stood in this immediate vicinity in the Great Quarters. On May 18, 1862, he used a rare day off from toil to execute a bold plan: Leave his family, future wife, and community behind to . . . — — Map (db m272328) HM
This courthouse has been used continuously for judicial purposes for more than 250 years only two other courthouses in the entire country have a longer history. Built in 1757, almost 20 years before the beginning of the Revolutionary War, the . . . — — Map (db m17766) HM
This community acquired its name from the Barnett family and was once a major commercial center for the western end of the county. The area has been served by the post offices of Bradley's Store (1879-1911) and Barnett's (est. 1911). At the time of . . . — — Map (db m29154) HM
In this graveyard is buried
Col. Benjamin Harrison, V
December 13, 1730
April 24, 1791
Singer of the
Declaration of Independence
Member of
Virginia House of Burgesses
Continental Congress
Federal Constitutional Convention . . . — — Map (db m87114) HM
The Williamsburg Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution honors
Benjamin Harrison
Patriot-Statesman
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
1977 — — Map (db m270925) HM
A short distance south. The place was first settled in 1619 but was abandoned. It was repatented in 1636. Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence, lived here; his son, William Henry Harrison, President of the United States, was . . . — — Map (db m30225) HM
A short distance south, it was first settled in 1619, when the first Thanksgiving was held here. The present mansion, built in 1726, was the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and President William Henry . . . — — Map (db m9284) HM
English settlers established Berkeley Hundred just south of there in 1619. Benjamin Harrison III, a merchant and planter, purchased the property in 1691. A Georgian-style house was built in 1726 for Benjamin Harrison IV and his wife, Anne Carter. . . . — — Map (db m175928) HM
This community was named for the structure which housed the post office and dance hall, built in 1886 by O.P. Binns at the terminus of an old road that led to the Chickahominy River farms Cedar Forest, Cyprus Banks, the home of the Stubblefield . . . — — Map (db m308239) HM
In 1959, Ebony magazine identified Charles City as "Virginia's Model County," recognizing years of political activism by its majority-Black population. Edward T. Banks and the local Civic League had mobilized Black residents since the 1940 to . . . — — Map (db m250384) HM
This intersection of the Old Main Road, or Ridgepath, and the road from Soanes Bridge to Kennons, derives its name from an eighteenth-century tavern owned by the Blanks family. Blanks Tavern was one of a few licensed ordinaries in colonial Charles . . . — — Map (db m17575) HM
From Prestwood, England
At Jamestown 1608
First Governor of Berkeley
Hundred Plantation 1619
Capt. John Woodliffe and 38 settlers
in the Ship "Margaret" landed here
December 4, 1619
First Official Thanksgiving Day
Service in . . . — — Map (db m209104) HM
(left panel)
Gateways to Exploration
Four centuries ago, English eyes searched this landscape for a place to build a fort. Three English ships: the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery had crossed the Atlantic and . . . — — Map (db m89565) HM
(left panel)
Gateways to Conflict
As the English began to establish settlements up river from Jamestown, they chose prime agricultural spots known as Indian fields that had been cleared and were still in use by the Natives. . . . — — Map (db m89566) HM
In 1702 Charles City County, which then included both sides of James River, was divided; the courthouse here was built about 1730. Here Simcoe's British Cavalry surprised a party of militia, January 8, 1781. Here Grant's Army passed on its way to . . . — — Map (db m9557) HM
Charles City County, named for King Charles I, was one of Virginia's eight original shires formed by 1634. It encompassed land south of the James River until 1702, when Prince George County was established. The courthouse was completed here in 1757. . . . — — Map (db m175947) HM
(left panel)
Sustaining a Credible Illusion
The Jamestown settlement was facing a severe food shortage in November of 1607. Captain John
Smith set out to trade for corn with the Indians living along this river. He traveled from . . . — — Map (db m46511) HM
During colonial times, food was prepared in a separate building or dependency. As in many homes today, the kitchen is where the most activity and gathering happened. The Harrisons did a great deal of entertaining and the kitchen produced lavish . . . — — Map (db m270917) HM
Commemorating the 350th Anniversary at Berkeley Hundred, Virginia, of the first official Thanksgiving Day in America, which was ordained by the proprietors of Berkeley Hundred to be observed annually, beginning in December 1619 when Captain John . . . — — Map (db m270922) HM
Schools were precious to a community denied education for centuries. Following the Civil War one and two-room schools for "colored" children were established around the county. It was here in Ruthville, however, that a commitment to learning first . . . — — Map (db m26335) HM
Emanuel Quivers was born into slavery on Berkeley Plantation to Jonathan and Sarah Quivers. Trained as a blacksmith, in 1845 Quivers became an enslaved wage earner at the Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond. There he learned the closely guarded puddling . . . — — Map (db m233739) HM
Originally part of William Byrd's Westover, Evelynton has been occupied by the Ruffin family since 1847, when it was purchased by Edmund Ruffin, Jr. Fierce skirmishes took place on the property during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign. Confederate troops . . . — — Map (db m9404) HM
Originally part of William Byrd's Westover, Evelynton was occupied by the Ruffin family from 1847, when it was purchased by Edmund Ruffin, Jr. through 2008. Fierce skirmishes took place on the property during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign. Confederate . . . — — Map (db m175932) HM
Charles City Courthouse was an eye witness to the American Revolution (1775-1783). Soldiers enlisted here before marching off to join the Continental Army. Local militia encamped on the grounds, and armies marched by throughout the course of the . . . — — Map (db m267391) HM
On 4 Dec. 1619, Capt. John Woodlief, a member of the Virginia Company, arrived aboard the ship Margaret with 35 men to take charge of Berkeley Hundred. An experienced former Jamestown settler, he became Berkeley's first governor. He bore . . . — — Map (db m70545) HM
Site of
First Official Thanksgiving
in America
December 4, 1619
at
Berkeley Plantation in Virginia
Placed by: Virginia Society
Colonial Dames XVII Century
1965 — — Map (db m270914) HM
South of here, on a bluff overlooking the James River, stands the half-mile-long Fort Pocahontas, built in the spring of 1864 by Union soldiers during the Civil War. The fort protected Union vessels on the river and guarded the landing at Wilsons . . . — — Map (db m9520) HM
In mid-June 1864, Grant abandoned his works at Cold Harbor and marched to Petersburg, a vital rail center. A mile south of here, at Wilcox Wharf (now Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park), steamboats ferried the troops and wagons of two corps across the James . . . — — Map (db m289017) HM
This was the home of John Tyler, Governor of Virginia, 1808-1811. His son, John Tyler, President of the United States, was born here, March 29, 1790. — — Map (db m200091) HM
Travel was difficult during Colonial times, with many guests staying several days when
visiting Berkeley.
The Guest House was used for overnight guests, schoolhouse, and late-night discussions amongst prominent politicians in the eighteenth . . . — — Map (db m270919) HM
Herring Creek is a tributary of the James River named for the Alewife and Blueback River Herring that historically have ascended Herring creek along with Hickory Shad to spawn between February and April, and then return to the sea where they spend . . . — — Map (db m99780) HM
The Herring Creek area was settled in 1619, as a portion of Westover, and a portion of Berkeley Hundred. The point where the James River Road, present-day Route 5, crossed Herring Creek was known as "The Wade." Landmarks have included Harrison's . . . — — Map (db m9288) HM
The Chickahominy Indians resided near here along the river that bears their name. This area was part of Wilmington Parish and was part of James City County before 1720. In the 1800s the community acquired the name of the Holdcroft family. Mt. . . . — — Map (db m18657) HM
Instructions given by the proprietors of Berkely Hundred to Captain John Woodleefe, First "Captayne and Governor" of Berkeley Hundred, Virginia, were as follows: "Impr wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrival at the place assigned for platacon . . . — — Map (db m270921) HM
A mob of about 75 masked men dragged Isaac Brandon from a cell in the old Charles City County jail and hanged him from a tree on this hillside on the night of 6 April 1892. Brandon, a 43-year-old black man, had been held in jail on a charge of . . . — — Map (db m244424) HM
John Smith Explores the Chesapeake
Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1600s seeking precious metals and a passage to Asia. He traveled the James, Chickahominy, and York rivers in 1607, and led two major . . . — — Map (db m89568) HM
To commemorate the efforts of John Tyler, native son, President of the United States 1841 - 1845, Chairman of the Peace Convention, 1861, to preserve the Union and to prevent the War Between the States. — — Map (db m175952) HM
John Tyler, tenth president of the United States, was born just north of here at Greenway on 29 March 1790. The frame plantation house was built ca. 1776 for his father, John Tyler, a noted jurist and governor of Virginia (1808-1811), who is buried . . . — — Map (db m200104) HM
Located 1 ½ miles south of the James River is Kennon's Landing. Richard Kennon married Anne Hunt about 1735 and lived there until his death in 1761. Anne Hunt's father was Captain William Hunt whose father William Hunt, a supporter of Nathaniel . . . — — Map (db m86171) HM
Colonial home of Dr. William Rickman, Head Surgeon of the Continental Army of Virginia, and wife Elizabeth Harrison Rickman Edmondson, of Berkeley.
Original section constructed ca. 1770-1790, shed roof addition added ca. 1840.
Land . . . — — Map (db m59621) HM
Lane to Site of First Thanksgiving in America. First whiskey distillery 1621. One of the first ship yards in the New World. 18 gun man of war was constructed here for the Revolutionary War. Lincoln landed here in 1862 to confer with General . . . — — Map (db m270931) HM
A mile and a half northwest, Lott Cary was born in slavery about 1780. In 1804 his owner, John Bowry, a Methodist minister, hired him out to a Richmond tobacco firm. Cary joined the First Baptist Church in 1807. He purchased his freedom and became a . . . — — Map (db m26338) HM
These communities were established on opposite banks of Morris Creek , earlier known as Tanks Pasbye hayes the Indian name, Moyses Creek after Theodore Moyses who patented land there, and as Moses Creek. Before 1720 this area was part of James City . . . — — Map (db m298739) HM
Since the establishment of the Court House during the mid-eighteenth century, this area has served as a community center for the entire county. During the Revolution and Civil War the area was the site of military encampments. A tavern built in the . . . — — Map (db m9429) HM
Part of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Army of the Potomac occupied North Bend on June 14, 1864, en route to Weyanoke Point. Two days earlier, Union forces had disengaged from the Cold Harbor battlefield so stealthily that it escaped Gen. Robert E. Lee's . . . — — Map (db m267268) HM
This community was the site of a Quaker settlement in the eighteenth century and the Weyanoke Quaker Meeting House and graveyard. The meetinghouse was the Upper Quarter gathering place for the Yearly Meeting of Virginia Quaker. The area has since . . . — — Map (db m26328) HM
During the Civil War in July 1862, when the Army of the Potomac was in camp on this site, Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield summoned Private Oliver Willcox Norton, his brigade bugler to his tent. He whistled some new tune and asked the bugler . . . — — Map (db m87110) HM WM
Located nearby was the main town of the Paspahegh Indians, tributaries to paramount chief Powhatan. When Jamestown was built in their territory, the Paspahegh consistently resisted the English settlement. In Aug. 1610, George Percy, on orders from . . . — — Map (db m23610) HM
In Virginia, the Home Front and the Front Line were often just miles apart during the Civil War. In places such as Charles City County families provided their men for troops and also lost the income from their plantations and other businesses . . . — — Map (db m18589) HM
During the 18th century this property was established as a Southall family seat. Notable family members include James Barrett Southall, owner of Williamsburg's Raleigh Tavern, Turner Southall, member of the committee to build Thomas Jefferson's . . . — — Map (db m18588) HM
Just to the south is Sherwood Forest, where President John Tyler lived after his retirement from the presidency until his death in 1862. He bought the place in 1842 and came to it as his home in March, 1845. Here Tyler, with his young second wife, . . . — — Map (db m9556) HM
From this spacious dwelling Colonel William Byrd, the Second, of Westover, set out in 1737 to lay the foundations and to project the future of the City of Richmond. Its grateful citizens, recalling the sufferings borne and the glory experienced, the . . . — — Map (db m30236) HM
Roxbury was named for a nearby plantation in New Kent County and reached by Longbridge over the Chickahominy. This community was the site of a colonial era tavern and the only railroad station in Charles City County . Roxbury post office (1883-1953) . . . — — Map (db m29158) HM
This area was one of the centers of Charles City's free black community before the Civil War and was named for Ruth Brown with the establishment of the post office in 1880. Abraham Brown, a major landowner of the area, founded Elam Church in 1810, . . . — — Map (db m26334) HM
This church, four miles north, was used as a field hospital, June, 1864, following the action an Nance's Shop, where the Union cavalryman Gregg, guarding a wagon train, was attacked by Wade Hampton. Gregg was driven from the field but saved the . . . — — Map (db m9600) HM
Prior to the arrival of Europeans, this land was inhabited by the Weanoc Indians, a tribe of the Powhatan Confederacy. The English settled the area in the 17th century, cultivated tobacco and subdivided the land into tracts. A small, late . . . — — Map (db m289420) HM
John Tyler purchased this plantation one mile west in his native Charles City in 1842 while serving as tenth president of the United States, and made it his home from 1845 until his death in 1862. Tyler lengthened the wooden 18th-century house to . . . — — Map (db m9518) HM
During most of the Civil War (1861-1865), Charles City County lay between two armies: the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia safeguarding the Confederate capital of Richmond and the Union Army of the Potomac occupying the Lower Peninsula. As a . . . — — Map (db m17756) HM
Berkeley Plantation's shipyard, the first successful shipyard on the James, was active through the American Revolution. Founding Father, Declaration of Independence Signer and Berkeley owner Benjamin Harrison V oversaw the building of 18 warships . . . — — Map (db m270923) HM
The house a short distance south, Shirley was first occupied in 1613 and was known as West-and-Shirley Hundred. In 1664, Edward Hill patented the place, which was left by the third Edward Hill to his sister, Elizabeth Carter, in 1720. Here was born . . . — — Map (db m9602) HM
By signing the Declaration of Independence the fifty-six Americans pledged their lives their fortunes and their sacred honor.
It was no idle pledge ----
Nine signers died of wounds during the Revolutionary War. Five were captured or . . . — — Map (db m270927) HM
Stephen Bates, the earliest-known Black sheriff in the North, began life at Shirley enslaved as a domestic worker. Along with many other people enslaved in the region, he claimed his freedom during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. After the Battle . . . — — Map (db m266541) HM
In May 1862, Union Gen. George B. McClellan led the Army of the Potomac up the Peninsula to the gates of Richmond. Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia in June and began planning a counterattack. On June . . . — — Map (db m61881) HM
In May 1862, Union Gen. George B. McClellan led the Army of the Potomac up the Peninsula to the gates of Richmond. Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia in June and began planning a counterattack. On June . . . — — Map (db m61882) HM
Kennons originally took its name from the plantation of the Kennon family. Kennons Creek, earlier known as David Jones Creek, served as a boundary for the earlier Wallingford Parish. Kennons Landing was the terminus for the Meadow Road, as well as . . . — — Map (db m9525) HM
This area was settled before 1622 by George Shinehow. Tobacco warehouses and docks were located at Swineyards and Willcox Wharf. A post office was established at Swineyards in 1848 and later located at Willcox Wharf. Landmarks have included . . . — — Map (db m289016) HM
This stretch of the James River and its tributaries is a prime example of an historic cultural landscape showing the intersection between people and nature. The rivers were home to American Indians long before the arrival of Europeans. This area . . . — — Map (db m301878) HM
A clerks office, jail and tavern were located at every courthouse. The purpose of the clerks office and the jail are obvious, but can you guess why the tavern was just as essential? In the colonial era courts met infrequently, and lawyers and . . . — — Map (db m17757) HM
To the memory of those from Charles City County who gave their lives in the service of their country in times of conflict.
World War I
Richard Benford
Wesley G. Christian
James S. Cotman
Robert F. Gary
Henry . . . — — Map (db m175950) WM
Following the last of the Seven Days' Battles on July 1, 1862, at Malvern Hill, Gen. George B. McClellan's Union Army of the Potomac continued its retreat to the James River. McClellan had earlier decided to "change his base" from the Pamunkey . . . — — Map (db m30227) HM
In 1619 the first settlement was made at Westover, about 2 miles southeast. Two settlers died in the Powhatan uprising of 1622. Theodorick Bland bought Westover in 1666; William Byrd I acquired it in 1688. About 1730 his son, Colonel William Byrd . . . — — Map (db m9285) HM
Early colonists in Jamestown migrated westward, bringing Anglican worship there as early as 1613. Westover Parish was recognized in 1625 by the House of Burgesses. A church built in 1630 at Westover Plantation was moved to its present site in 1731. . . . — — Map (db m273331) HM
A short distance south is Westover Church. It was first built on the James River near Westover House early in the Seventeeth century. About 1730 the site was changed and the present building erected. Defaced in the campaign of 1862, the church was . . . — — Map (db m9401) HM
Westover Plantation was established in 1619, part of the rapid agricultural expansion that followed several years of mere subsistence for the English at Jamestown. Often, the English co-opted fields already cleared by Natives for farming or as . . . — — Map (db m30228) HM
The Weanoc Indians gave this area its name. The Minge family settled much of the Weyanoke peninsula during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Landmarks have included Weyanoke Parish Church, Tylers Mill, a steamboat landing, a post office at . . . — — Map (db m289015) HM
With the Federal armies stalled at Cold Harbor, Gen. U.S. Grant made the fateful decision to move on Petersburg. The march began under cover of darkness on the evening of June 12, 1864, and covered some 20 miles before reaching the James River . . . — — Map (db m17507) HM
At Harrison's Landing on July 4th, 1862, Willie Johnston age 11, 3rd Vermont drummer boy played for Div. Review. For keeping his drum during the arduous 7 days battles, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by Sec. of War Stanton. He remains the . . . — — Map (db m270915) HM
Originally home to the Paspahegh Indians, Sandy Point was settled in 1617 as Smith's Hundred and after 1619 known as Southampton Hundred. St. Mary's Church was established here prior to the Powhatan Uprising of 1622. During the Revolutionary War . . . — — Map (db m9467) HM
Two miles east is the site of “The Forest,” home of Martha Wayles Skelton, widow of Bathurst Skelton. There she was married to Thomas Jefferson, January 1, 1772. The bridal couple drove in the snow to Jeffersons home, . . . — — Map (db m86172) HM
Wayside was settled after 1613 as part of West and Sherley Hundred. Landmarks have included St. John's Church, established in 1897 by the Rev. John Jones, a post office at Shirley and the Shirley Mill. In 1921 the Wayside Community Club assisted in . . . — — Map (db m299330) HM
Benjamin Harrison (1726-1791) - Virginia planter, politician, and signer of the Declaration of Independence - was born at nearby Berkeley plantation. He first served in the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1752, though elected in 1749, and remained in . . . — — Map (db m86174) HM
John Smith explored the upper Chickahominy River in December 1607. He left his boat and seven of his crew at Apocant, the highest town on the river in the upper part of what is today the lake. Two crew members departed with Smith and two . . . — — Map (db m61883) HM
In this vicinity the Union cavalryman, Gregg, guarding army trains moving to Petersburg, was attacked by Wade Hampton, June 24, 1864. Gregg was driven back toward Charles City Courthouse, but the wagon trains crossed the James safely. This action . . . — — Map (db m17755) HM
Eight miles west on "The Old Main Road" is Piney Grove. The original portion, built ca. 1800 on Southall's Plantation, is a rare survival of Tidewater log architecture. Edmund Archer Saunders, a successful Richmond businessman, operated a store at . . . — — Map (db m9506) HM
Two miles south is Kittiewan, mid-eighteenth century manor house. Here lived Doctor William Rickman. From 1776 to 1780 he was director and Chief Physician of the Continental Hospitals of Virginia. — — Map (db m9434) HM
Three miles south is North Bend, a Greek Revival residence built in 1819. Sarah Minge, sister of President William Henry Harrison, and her husband, John, built the original portion of the house located on Kittiewan Creek. Thomas H. Wilcox greatly . . . — — Map (db m9431) HM
In 1617, Opechancanough, Chief of Powhatan's younger brother, gave land to the south to future governor Capt. George Yeardley. Yeardley patented it and a portion became Upper Weyanoke, a James River plantation. Archaeological investigations there . . . — — Map (db m9432) HM
On February 10, 1862 CSS Beaufort steamed past this spot, racing for Norfolk. She and CSS Appomattox were the survivors of fights with Union naval forces off Roanoke Island in Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. Beaufort , a . . . — — Map (db m260169) HM
1926 Congress passed Pub. Bill No. 272 on May 22nd to finance the bridge.
1927 Construction began on August 15th.
1928 The bridge opened on August 24th, Gov. Harry F. Byrd cutting cutting the ribbon.
1939 The . . . — — Map (db m247271) HM
You are in Walllaceton, a community named for the Wallace family home, with the Dismal Swamp Canal and Great Dismal Swamp in front of you. Before the war, runaway slaves found refuge in the swamp. Confederate guerrillas later hid there, while the . . . — — Map (db m260163) HM
June 3rd
1939
A Texaco Oil ship, the Rhode Island, miscalculated a turn and collided into the Jordan Bridge. One of the spans collapsed in the water causing $350,000 in damages. No deaths were reported, but two bridge workers in the . . . — — Map (db m247269) HM
In this vicinity, in 1775, was the southern end of a causeway, with bridges, by which the swamp and stream were crossed. Here William Woodford's Virginia riflemen defended the passage. When Lord Dunmore's British regulars attempted to cross the . . . — — Map (db m281930) HM
Early in Dec. 1775, colonial troops under Col. William Woodford, including the 2d VA Regiment and Culpeper Minutemen, erected breastworks near here to guard the southern end of a narrow causeway between Norfolk and North Carolina. Royal Governor . . . — — Map (db m289733) HM
Justin Holland was a 19th-century pioneer African American of the classical guitar, community leader, and abolitionist. Born in Norfolk County about 1819, he left for Massachusetts in 1833. There he took music lessons and learned to play the guitar. . . . — — Map (db m76794) HM
James Edward Owens and Grace Catherine Melvin Owens, the college-educated children of formerly enslaved people, built this Queen Anne-style house ca. 1915. Their son Hugo Armstrong Owens, dentist and civil rights activist, was born here in 1916. . . . — — Map (db m211946) HM
Before you is the Deep Creek Lock of the Great Dismal Swamp Canal. The canal was an important thoroughfare, connecting the North Carolina Sounds with Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay. The Dismal Swamp Canal is the oldest operating artificial . . . — — Map (db m4773) HM
This is the Deep Creek Lock of the Dismal Swamp Canal, the northern end of the waterway linking the North Carolina sounds with Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay. Deep Creek village evolved on the canal to serve workers, boatmen, and the . . . — — Map (db m165286) HM
The British erected a fort at Great Bridge early in November 1775. The first decisive land battle of the American Revolution in the south was fought here December 9, 1775. Virginia forces under Col. William Woodford united with the militia of South . . . — — Map (db m241916) HM
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