Historical Markers and War Memorials in Smithfield, Virginia
Isle of Wight is the county seat for Isle of Wight County
Smithfield is in Isle of Wight County
Isle of Wight County(73) ► ADJACENT TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY Franklin(17) ► James City County(259) ► Newport News(274) ► Southampton County(29) ► Suffolk(61) ► Surry County(36) ►
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Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
The Confederate Army rented slave labor and hired free black laborers to construct the fort. Records of their payment show that these men worked for 50 cents a day.
In December 1861, Isle of Wight County Commissioner of the Revenue B.J. Gray . . . — — Map (db m244365) HM
On Main Street (Business U.S. 258) at Institute Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street.
Built in 1826 constructed with handmade soft Virginia bricks. Originally used to store peanuts, crops, and dry goods. It was converted into a residence and doctors office around 1900. — — Map (db m166422) HM
On Old Stage Highway (Virginia Route 10) north of Bounts Corner Road, on the right when traveling north.
In Nov. 1621, Capt. Nathaniel Basse received a grant of 300 acres of land, now known as Basse’s Choice, located nearby. It was one of the first English settlements in Isle of Wight County, though humans had lived there more than 5000 years. On Mar. . . . — — Map (db m2678) HM
On South Church Street (Business Virginia Route 10) 0.2 miles east of Jericho Road, on the left when traveling east. Reported missing.
This section of the Pagan River in front of you is where the Union gunboat, USS Smith-Briggs, was run aground and destroyed by local Confederate troops during the January 31-February 1, 1864, Battle of Smithfield.
Smithfield . . . — — Map (db m156842) HM
On Old Stage Highway (Virginia Route 10) north of Blounts Corner Road, on the right when traveling north.
By Nov. 1621, Edward Bennett had obtained a patent from the Virginia Company to establish Bennett’s Plantation, also known as Warrascoyack and Bennett’s Welcome. By Feb. 1622, the Sea Flower arrived with the first residents and they began . . . — — Map (db m2677) HM
On Main Street (Business U.S. 258) just west of South Church Street (Virginia Route 10), on the left when traveling west.
Main Street was once paved in brick during the early twentieth century. During the street's reconstruction from 1991 to 1993, the old paving bricks found under the asphalt were removed to make way for the installation of underground utilities. The . . . — — Map (db m166421) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
This modern bridge is constructed over the trace of the original 1861 bridge which traversed this marshy area. The surrounding wetland of cypress and pine trees provided a barrier to any attacking land force intent on assaulting the fort from the . . . — — Map (db m244359) HM
Near Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) at Morgarts Beach Road (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north.
In 1908, Herbert and Mary Greer purchased the fort and turned it into a place of beauty with flowers, shrubbery, a large formal flower garden and a wildflower garden. In 1918, Mrs. Greer was
outside tending to her roses and honeysuckle when two . . . — — Map (db m244354) HM
On Main Street (Business U.S. 258) at Church Manor Trail, on the right when traveling south on Main Street.
African Americans prioritized education after Emancipation, and many attended one-or two-room schools built alongside churches in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Christian Home School was built eight miles south of here, near Christian Home . . . — — Map (db m243623) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
This space was the main camp area for soldiers who guarded the landward approach to Fort Huger. They slept, ate and relaxed here when not actively engaged in the daily routine of improving the fort or otherwise preparing for its defense.
Fort . . . — — Map (db m244357) HM
On Jericho Road, 0.2 miles north of Kayak Lane, on the right when traveling north.
Like the other structures on this site, this square building reflects a combination of eras. There are sections dating to the 18th century as well as evidence of a wood-burning stove, a more modern convenience. The building's earliest use is . . . — — Map (db m166413) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Commanding: Lieutenant Colonel Fletcher Harris Archer
Company A: Captains David Poyner & George Harrison, Fort Huger
Company B: Captains Joseph White & Thomas Branch, Fort Huger
Company C: Captain William Alley, Fort . . . — — Map (db m244358) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
For their permanent defensive positions, both the Union and Confederacy designed fortifications to include a wide variety of structures and obstacles. Once the ground was cleared of all natural and man-made obstructions, done by hand with shovels . . . — — Map (db m244367) HM
Near Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) at Mogarts Beach Road (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north.
Directly in front of you is the entrance to Fort Boykin. Originally built in 1623 to protect the colonists against “Spaniards by sea and Indians by land” and called “The Castle,” the fort was rebuilt during the Revolutionary War and renamed Fort . . . — — Map (db m2699) HM
Near Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) near Morgarts Beach Road (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north.
From 1861 to 1862, soldiers serving inside the fort were from Company E, Isle of Wight County Blues, 9th Virginia Infantry, as well as Company I, James River Heavy Artillery, 3rd Virginia Artillery. Soldiers from the Surry Light Artillery also . . . — — Map (db m244352) HM
Near Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) at Mogarts Beach Road (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north. Reported missing.
The Warraskoyack Indians had a town south of Fort Boykin in the vicinity of Tormentor Creek and another on Jones Creek near the mouth of the Pagan River. John Smith stayed with them on his 1608 mission to Powhatan’s residence on the York River and . . . — — Map (db m2757) HM
Near Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) at Morgarts Beach Road (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north.
In memory of the early colonists who built this fort by hand and all soldiers stationed here
1623-1862
and Herbert T. Greer and his wife, Mary E. Greer who purchased this fort in 1908, preserved its formation and spent twenty-three years . . . — — Map (db m244355) HM WM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Fort Huger has only one entrance, or sallyport, to make defense easier.
Just before this entrance is a dry ditch which extends the full length of the fort's exterior. When filed with sharpened wooden stakes, referred to as abatis or . . . — — Map (db m244361) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east. Reported missing.
(prelude) In April 1862, Union forces under Gen. George B. McClellan began a major campaign to capture Richmond, marching west from Fort Monroe up the Peninsula between the York and James Rivers toward the Confederate capital. A . . . — — Map (db m35929) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Where you are standing might not feel like an ideal location for a fortification today, but in 1861, this was the perfect place for an artillery battery to block the James River approach to Richmond, the Confederate capital.
When the Civil War . . . — — Map (db m244371) HM
On Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east on Talcott Terrace.
Shells have been found in amazing quantities along this area of the river. The Indians who lived beside the saltwater stretches of river did not have tuckahoe and other freshwater plants to sustain them in poor crop years, when shellfish likely . . . — — Map (db m18641) HM
On Fort Huger Drive (Virginia Route 676) at Old Stage Highway (Virginia Route 10), on the left when traveling north on Fort Huger Drive.
One mile northeast, at Hardy’s Bluff on Lawne’s Neck, existed Fort Huger, a Civil War earthen fortification. Virginia State Engineer Col. Andrew Talcott authorized this and other forts to block any Union naval advance up the James River to Richmond. . . . — — Map (db m18619) HM
On Commerce Street at Luter Drive, on the left when traveling north on Commerce Street.
At this site on September 16, 1936, Joseph W. Luter and Joseph W. Luter Jr. founded Smithfield Packing Company which later became known as Smithfield Foods. The meat processing plant built at this location cured and smoked fresh hams into what . . . — — Map (db m166505) HM
Near Benns Church Boulevard (Virginia Route 10) south of Casper Circle, on the right when traveling west.
Early in the war, Confederate authorities were concerned that Union forces might advance up the James River from Fort Monroe. As a precaution, they constructed waterfront artillery batteries along the river, including in Isle of Wight County, and . . . — — Map (db m103839) HM
On Dan Smith Drive just west of Jericho Road, on the left when traveling west.
In the early 1600s, Captain John Smith and the Jamestown colonists noted long-needled pines along the south bank of the James River and recognized their potential as a valuable resource. Soon after, the first "tryalls of pitch and tar" (naval . . . — — Map (db m166419) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
This partially collapsed structure is what remains of Fort Huger's shell house. This was a long enclosure covered with a thick layer of earth which served as the storage shelter for the fort's ammunition supply, specifically the exploding shells . . . — — Map (db m244363) HM
On North Church Street (Virginia Route 10) at Luter Drive, on the right when traveling west on North Church Street.
Dedicated to all veterans
of Isle of Wight County
for their honorable service
to our nation.
June 14, 2001
By these engravings we remember all
those who made the supreme sacrifice
in the wars of our nation,
and less we not . . . — — Map (db m36051) HM
On Main Street (Business U.S. 258) at South Church Street (Virginia Route 10), on the right when traveling north on Main Street.
One half-mile north, Ivy Hill Cemetery, established in 1887, is the resting place of many prominent local residents including Joseph W. Luter, Sr., Smithfield Packing Company co-founder, and P.D. Gwaltney Jr., founder of Gwaltney Hams. Others buried . . . — — Map (db m166424) HM
In recognition of Joseph W. Luter, III for his generosity and loyalty to the town of Smithfield and its citizens. Joseph W. Luter, III, a Smithfield native, has been a generous benefactor to the Town of Smithville. Highly regarded throughout the . . . — — Map (db m98266) HM
On Jericho Road, 0.2 miles north of Kayak Lane, on the right when traveling north.
Separate buildings for kitchens and laundries were commonplace for elite households in colonial America. All meal preparation was from scratch and cooked in front of an open hearth while laundering required kettles of hot water, tables for . . . — — Map (db m166417) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 258) at South Mason Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street.
Constructed in 1750 and 1751, this building was the center of law and politics in Isle of Wight County until 1800, when the seat of county government was moved to its current location, seven miles south of Smithfield. — — Map (db m36049) HM
More than 100,000 rivers, streams, and creeks flow through the Chesapeake region. This massive web of waterways includes some 11,000 miles of shoreline---more than that of the entire U.S. West Coast.
For centuries, these watercourses comprised . . . — — Map (db m98262) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
In front of you is Fort Huger's northernmost bastion. This side of Fort Huger was the least defended because the natural terrain of Hardy's Bluff allowed for a deep ditch, high rampart wall and open fields of observation and fire. This is also the . . . — — Map (db m244369) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 258) at North Mason Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
Smithfield served as the county seat from 1752 to 1801. The Old Isle of Wight Courthouse was built in 1752. Constructed by William Rand, it is one of Virginia's few surviving colonial structures and is notable for having a semicircular apse with a . . . — — Map (db m35961) HM
On Burwells Bay Road, 0.1 miles east of Old Stage Highway (Virginia Route 10), on the left when traveling east.
Half a mile north, stood the Warrascoyack Indian village. Captain John Smith obtained corn there for the starving colonists in 1608. The Warrascoyacks took part in the massacre of 1622 and their village was destroyed in 1623. In 1680, Old Town was . . . — — Map (db m18655) HM
Near Benns Church Boulevard (Virginia Route 10) near Brewers Neck Road.
Saint Luke's Church
Mother Church of
Warrasquyoake
now Isle of Wight County
The earliest original Gothic architecture structure in the United States of America
1632
An unique bridge between our civilization and the rich culture . . . — — Map (db m86205) HM
On South Church Street (Virginia Route 10) 0.2 miles south of Jericho Road, on the right when traveling east. Reported permanently removed.
The town was established in 1752. The Masonic Hall was built in 1753. Benedict Arnold occupied the town, January 15, 1781. At Cherry Grove Landing near by, skirmishing took place on April 13-15, 1864, and the Confederates made a daring capture of a . . . — — Map (db m156924) HM
On South Church Street (Virginia Route 10) 0.2 miles east of Jericho Road, on the left when traveling east.
Smithfield, incorporated in 1752, became a busy colonial port and was county seat of Isle of Wight through 1800. British troops under Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold occupied the town on 15 Jan 1781. During the Civil War, a two-day naval engagement . . . — — Map (db m157052) HM
On Jericho Road, 0.3 miles north of Kayak Lane, on the right when traveling north.
Pigs arrived in Virginia with the first English colonists and thrived in the warm, humid climate. Traditionally, the English used salt to preserve their pork, but the resulting meat was no match for the hot summers in Virginia. The colonists . . . — — Map (db m166416) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
This was probably the most heavily armed bastion of Fort Huger as it faced the most likely approach of Union naval forces.
(caption) Rendezvous of the Union Fleet in the James River, May 29, 1862
Published in Harper's . . . — — Map (db m244366) HM
On Benns Church Boulevard (Virginia Route 10) at Brewers Neck Road (U.S. 258) on Benns Church Boulevard.
St. Luke’s Church, also known as “The Brick Church,” and the Newport Parish Church, is likely America’s purest expression of Gothic architecture. Its buttressed walls, lancet side windows, and traceried east windows link the building to the . . . — — Map (db m2675) HM
On Colonial Trail E (Route 10), on the right when traveling north.
Surry County. Surry County, named for the county of Surrey in England, was formed from James City County about 1652. The Quiyoughcohannocks, whose villages were primarily situated in present-day Surry County, were among the first Virginia . . . — — Map (db m2680) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
The fort's interior occupies three acres and is protected by a high rampart wall. Archeology indicates the flag pole mound is located where construction began. The top of the flagpole mound is the original surface level of Hardy's Bluff.
The . . . — — Map (db m244362) HM
Near Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) at Morgarts Beach Raod (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north.
The fort was purchased in 1950 by the Jordan sisters - Ella, Elizabeth and Susan.
This property belonged to their grandparents, Colonel Josiah William Jordan and Francis Moseley Dawley Jordan, from 1841 to 1849. The sisters, upon their . . . — — Map (db m244351) HM
Near Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) at Morgarts Beach Road (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north.
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 m244353) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
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 m244368) HM
On Main Street at Commerce Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street.
In this house, in about 1780, Captain Mallory Todd cured the first commercially produced Smithfield hams, which were shipped to customers in England.
Hams were cured on this site from 1779 to 1936. The original Todd warehouse stood on the . . . — — Map (db m166503) HM
Near Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) at Morgarts Beach Road (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north.
A well was necessary at this site as the brackish James River did not provide suitable drinking water. The well, elliptical in shape with different brick-laying styles throughout, was built from the bottom up. Over the years, erosion of the . . . — — Map (db m244350) HM
Near Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) at Morgarts Beach Road (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north.
Virginia Indians
In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a paramount chief, known by the English as Chief Powhatan, created a powerful organization by affiliating 30 tributary peoples whose territory was much of eastern Virginia. At the . . . — — Map (db m244347) HM
Near Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) at Mogarts Beach Road (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north.
Fort Boykin was named after Francis Marshall Boykin who was a Virginia state senator, general in the state militia and owner of the property on which the fort was built. The topography at Fort Boykin provided the best possible location for . . . — — Map (db m18638) HM
Near Talcott Terrace at Lawnes Neck Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Fort Huger (pronounced Hu-gee) sits on the James River on a site formerly known by names - Hardy's Bluff, Harden's
Bluff and Mother Tynes' Bluff. The overlook and deep navigable channel just offshore made this location a strategic military . . . — — Map (db m244356) HM
On Jericho Road, 0.2 miles north of Kayak Lane, on the right when traveling north.
The Park Story - Located in the heart of downtown Smithfield, Windsor Castle Park is a 208-acre riverside park. Dedicated in May of 2010, the park features a woodland trail system, picnic and open area space, dog park, kayak/canoe launch, . . . — — Map (db m166415) HM
On Old Stage Highway (Route 10) at Wrenns Mill Road, on the left when traveling north on Old Stage Highway.
Wrenn’s Mill stood south of here on Pagan Creek. A mill powered by water for grinding grain existed there before 1685, when Thomas Green bequeathed it to his wife. The mill was referred to as Little Mill and Green’s Mill before Charles Wrenn . . . — — Map (db m2679) HM
