Here in the garden of Lansdowne was buried Arthur Lee, 1740-1792. The youngest son of Thomas Lee of Stratford. He was graduated in medicine at Edinburgh in 1764 and practiced briefly at Williamsburg, but his zeal for the cause of the American . . . — — Map (db m33887) HM
The courtyard of Middlesex County's colonial courthouse was directly behind the brick courthouse building in view from this panel. In the year 1748, the Town of Urbanna became the county seat of Middlsex County. It remained so for 104 years when . . . — — Map (db m186686) HM
Born in Lancaster County on 13 Apr. 1711, John Mitchell studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and in 1734 opened a practice of medicine here in Urbanna. In 1746, he moved to London, where he published his Map of the British and French . . . — — Map (db m26575) HM
A short distance east is Rosegill. The house was built about 1650 by the first Ralph Wormeley; it became the summer home of the colonial governors, Sir Henry Chicheley and Lord Howard of Effingham. In 1776, the owner, the fifth Ralph Wormeley, was . . . — — Map (db m27005) HM
Nearby, in the garden of Lansdowne, was buried Arthur Lee, 1740-1792, the youngest son of Thomas Lee of Stratford. Early in 1776 he secretly obtained the original grant of French military supplies for the Continental Army, which made possible the . . . — — Map (db m33886) HM
First known as Nimcock Creek, this creek was mentioned in a legislative act of 1680 as “Wormley’s Creek.” After the town of Urbanna was named in 1705 for Queen Anne, the stream was given the same name. British privateersmen entered the . . . — — Map (db m27009) HM
Virginia Street is one of the oldest streets in America and the busiest in Urbanna. There are five original colonial buildings standing. Three of Urbanna's most famous residents, Dr. Arthur Lee, Dr. John Mitchell, and Andrew Jackson Montague . . . — — Map (db m186717) HM
Main Street, near here, crosses a barely perceptible ridge line. This line divides water flowing east to the Atlantic Ocean, via the Roanoke River basin, from water flowing west to the Gulf of Mexico, via the New, Ohio, and Mississippi . . . — — Map (db m84779) HM
Smithfield, visible to the northeast, was the last home of Col. William Preston, a noted surveyor who fostered the settlement of western lands. Preston was also a Revolutionary officer, Indian fighter, and a member of the House of Burgesses. Built . . . — — Map (db m86233) HM
The American Revolution secured liberty and justice for some, but not all Americans.
When the U.S. Constitution became ratified in 1788, slavery was still legal, women could not vote, and indigenous peoples were being violently removed from . . . — — Map (db m229164) HM WM
This marker commemorates the
men and women who achieved
American independence.
These Patriots, believing in the
noble cause of liberty, fought
valiantly to found a new nation.
1775 - 1783
Presented by
Virginia Daughters of . . . — — Map (db m228221) WM
Christiansburg, originally known as "Hans Meadows," was established in 1792 and named for Colonel William Christian noted Colonial and Revolutionary Indian fighter. It became an important place on the route to the West. On May 10, 1864, Averell . . . — — Map (db m23905) HM
Fotheringay was the home of George Hancock (1754-1820), a colonel in the Virginia Line during the Revolutionary War and aide-de-camp to Count Casimir Pulaski. He later served in both the Virginia House of Delegates and in the U.S. Congress, and was . . . — — Map (db m23904) HM
Floyd County. Floyd County was named for John Floyd, governor of Virginia from 1830 to 1834. The county was formed from Montgomery County in 1831, with a portion of Franklin County added later. The county seat is Floyd, formerly Jacksonville. . . . — — Map (db m104299) HM
Joseph and Jeanne de Vigné Crockett settled on this farm early in the 1760s. Three of their sons served as officers in the Revolutionary War. Col. Hugh Crockett, who lived here until his death in 1816, led militia during expeditions to North . . . — — Map (db m209254) HM
One mile from here is "Level Green," the home of Major Thomas Massie (1747-1834). Commander of the Sixth Virginia Regiment of Infantry, later Aide to Governor Thomas Nelson at the siege of Yorktown, and one of the first magistrates of Nelson County . . . — — Map (db m40720) HM
Three miles southwest is Union Hill, home of William Cabell. He was born, March 30, 1730. Cabell was a burgess, signer of the Articles of Association, member of the Revolutionary Conventions and of the Ratifying Convention of 1788. He died March 23, . . . — — Map (db m31755) HM
Half a mile north on Diascund Creek stood Cooper's Mill. On 23-24 June 1781, the British army commanded by Gen. Charles Cornwallis seized supplies there while en route to its camp at Williamsburg and Maj. John G. Simcoe's Rangers burned the bridge . . . — — Map (db m16840) HM
As part of British Maj. Gen. William Phillips Apr. 1781 campaign in Virginia by the 21st he sent Lt. Col. Robert Abercrombie's Light Infantry from Barrett's Ferry, where it enters the James River, to destroy the state's naval docks, ships, . . . — — Map (db m16837) HM
After a detachment of the Marquis de Lafayette's army defeated Maj. John G. Simcoe's cavalry at Spencer's Ordinary near Williamsburg on 26 June 1781, Lafayette shadowed the British army encamped at the colonial capital. He made his headquarters just . . . — — Map (db m16842) HM
Richard Littlepage III established Cumberland
Town on the south side of the Pamunkey River
in 1748. A busy shipping center, the town offered
a tobacco inspection station, warehouses, wharves,
and a ferry. The Virginia House of Burgesses
briefly . . . — — Map (db m107377) HM
Gilbert Chase, a New England ship captain, recovered a bronze French cannon in the Pamunkey River off Cumberland Town in 1816. Two members of his crew descended in a diving bell patented in 1806, which Chase had acquired the rights to use. The . . . — — Map (db m107379) HM
James Lafayette was born in slavery about 1748 near here. His master William Armistead was commissary of military supplies when in the summer of 1781 the Marquis de Lafayette recruited James as a spy. Posing as a double agent, forager, and servant . . . — — Map (db m17739) HM
John Parke Custis
Born at White House, New Kent County in 1755. Died at Eltham, New Kent County, November 1781, where his body remains.
This marker placed by the Sons of the Revolution in Virginia 1960
While acting as aide to . . . — — Map (db m17746) HM
Lord Cornwallis's army was here, moving eastward, June 22, 1781; Lafayette, in pursuit, June 25; Washington, Rochambeau and Chastellux, on their way to Yorktown, September 14, 1781. A part of Joseph E. Johnston's army, retiring to Richmond, passed . . . — — Map (db m17738) HM
New Kent County, established in 1654, built a brick courthouse here by 1695. Fires in 1753 and 1775 destroyed the building and its successor. A later courthouse, damaged during the Civil War, was replaced in 1909. In 1736 county court justice George . . . — — Map (db m167832) HM
One mile south is Long Bridge over the Chickahominy River. Benedict Arnold sent Simcoe there in the British invasion of 1781. Longstreet crossed there in the Peninsular Campaign, May, 1862. Grant's Fifth and Second Corps crossed there, in June, . . . — — Map (db m16807) HM
Here about 1770, Charles Jeffery Smith, a Presbyterian minister, settled and, with William Holt, built a forge for making farm implements. Francis Jerdone became a partner in 1771. A militia camp was established here in 1781, and Lafayette was here . . . — — Map (db m16834) HM
Established in 1654 from York and named for County Kent, England. In it are Chestnut Grove, Birthplace of Martha (Dandridge) Custis; White House, home of Martha Custis; Poplar Grove, where Martha Custis met George Washington; St. Peter's church, . . . — — Map (db m15680) HM
This was the main road to Williamsburg in early days. Cornwallis, retiring eastward, used this road in June, 1781. The Confederates, retreating westward, passed over it in May, 1862. — — Map (db m15679) HM
The white two-and-a-half story frame building in front of you in the distance is Endview. Endview was built circa 1760 by Col. William Harwood, Jr., who was a member of the House of Burgesses, a signer of the Virginia Resolves, and a Warwick County . . . — — Map (db m181356) HM
The fresh water bubbling from this natural spring has supported wildlife and the various residents on this property: Indian hunting parties, the Harwood/Curtis families, and military encampments. During the American Revolution, General George . . . — — Map (db m16563) HM
The 'Patriot', 60-ton Virginia Navy armed schooner commanded by Lieut. James Watkins, was charged with the defense of Warwick Co. inhabitants then harassed by British plundering expeditions. In April 1781, in the James River offshore, the 'Patriot" . . . — — Map (db m33989) HM
Capt. Edward Waters gave his name to Waters Creek when patented land here in 1624. In the spring of 1781 a force of 30 mounted militia led by Capt. Edward Mallory repulsed a British foraging party loaded with plunder near the mouth of the creek. In . . . — — Map (db m33987) HM
Moses Myers (1753-1835) was a shipping merchant who came to Norfolk in 1787 from New York. He acquired this site in September 1791 and built his distinguished Federal town house in 1792. It was one of the early brick buildings to be constructed in . . . — — Map (db m35092) HM
This site was in the original Crown grant of 200 acres to Colonel Thomas Willoughby in 1636. Located on Freemason Street, so called because the Norfolk Royal Exchange Lodge of Masons erected the "Mason's Hall" on this site in 1764 as America's first . . . — — Map (db m64974) HM
New Town once stood to the south along the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River. The community was laid out in 1697 and General Assembly established it as a town in 1740. New Town served as county seat of Princess Anne County from about 1752 to . . . — — Map (db m3326) HM
The Hampton Roads area has seen its share of history - much of it played out in the waters before you. In 1775, Lord Dunmore, Virginia's last Royal Governor, was driven from Williamsburg by American colonists and established a temporary base across . . . — — Map (db m199895) HM
The Armed Forces Memorial is located here on a river that has for more than 200 years carried servicemen off to war and returned them home to loved ones. Within the Memorial are 20 inscriptions from letters written home by U.S. service members who . . . — — Map (db m3475) HM
Town Point is where Norfolk began. In 1680 the General Assembly of his Majesty's Colony of Virginia enacted a law requiring each county to establish and develop a town site. In lower Norfolk County fifty acres of land at the entrance of the Eastern . . . — — Map (db m70920) HM
The bombardment and burning of Norfolk helped fuel the American Revolution. In retaliation for Norfolk’s refusal to supply provisions for his ships, the British Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, ordered his fleet to fire on the town in the afternoon of . . . — — Map (db m191491) HM
The courthouse was moved to Eastville in 1677, and court has been held here ever since. The old courthouse was built about 1731; from its door the Declaration of Independence was read, August 13, 1776. Militia barracks were here during the . . . — — Map (db m7587) HM
John Heath was born on 8 May 1758 in Northumberland County. He attended William & Mary College and on 5 Dec. 1776, he and four of his classmates founded Phi Beta Kappa, a prestigious undergraduate honors organization. He became its first president. . . . — — Map (db m22550) HM
Nottoway County. Area 310 square miles. Formed in 1788 from Amelia, and named for an Indian tribe. Tarleton passed through this county in 1781. Here lived William Hodges Mann, Governor of Virginia 1910-14.
Dinwiddie . . . — — Map (db m31053) HM
Prince Edward County. Area 356 square miles. Formed in 1753 from Amelia, and named for Prince Edward, son of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and younger brother of King George III. General Joseph E. Johnston was born in this . . . — — Map (db m31041) HM
American Revolutionary soldier Peter Francisco in July 1781 encountered about nine of British Lt. Gen. Banastre Tarleton's dragoons to the east at Ward's Tavern. Using his legendary strength and cunning, Francisco single-handedly bested his enemies, . . . — — Map (db m19016) HM
The 'Virginia Giant', the 'Giant of the Revolution', the 'Hercules of the Revolution' and Washington's 'One Man Army'.
Coming to an End…
Francisco returned to Prince Edward County, VA and enlisted in the horse company of Captain Thomas . . . — — Map (db m182518) HM
The six foot eight inch tall Peter Francisco will forever be tied to Nottoway County because of his famous fight at Ward's Tavern outside of present-day Crewe. He called it "the last favor I ever did the British".
Early Life
Born July . . . — — Map (db m182517) HM
During Tarleton's Southside Virginia Raid (July 9 - July 24, 1781), British dragoons visited Benjamin Ward's Tavern at West Creek. Peter Francisco was serving as a militia scout and was at the tavern at the time. Legend tells as many as nine . . . — — Map (db m182520) HM
British Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton was tasked by Lord Charles Cornwallis to raid Southside Virginia and destroy ammunition, clothes, and "stores of any kind" destined for Continental military use.
Tarleton's Assignment
The . . . — — Map (db m182521) HM
Thomas Sumter was born on 14 Aug. 1734 in this region. Sumter, a member of the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War, moved to South Carolina in 1765. He served as a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army (1776–1778); in June . . . — — Map (db m17501) HM
Built by Nathaniel Gordon, 1787. Visited by Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Philip and James Barbour, Clark, Rives, Randolph, Wirt, Waddell, and other celebrities of Revolutionary, post-Revolutionary, and Confederate War periods. Lafayette . . . — — Map (db m4794) HM
Spotswood park is dedicated to Captain John Spotswood born circa 1748, grandson of Royal Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood of Virginia. Captain John Spotswood, soldier of the American Revolution, served honorably as a member of the Continental . . . — — Map (db m19159) HM
This is the story of Orange GroveYou are standing on land that was owned by the same family for over 200 years, from colonial days to the beginning of Lake of the Woods.
Alexander Spotswood, Lt. Gov. of the Colony of Virginia 1710 - 1722, . . . — — Map (db m19156) HM
John Spotswood
1724 - 1758
Married Mary Dandridge in 1745
Son of Lt. Gov.
Alexander Spotswood
1676 - 1740
and his wife
Lady Anne Butler Brayne
1686 - Circa 1751
Father of General
Alexander Spotswood
Oct. 16, 1746 - Dec. . . . — — Map (db m171406) HM
In the campaign of 1781, the Marquis de Lafayette marched through the Wilderness to rendezvous with Brig. Gen. "Mad Anthony" Wayne. On 3 June 1781, Lafayette's army camped to the south of the Wilderness Bridge across Wilderness Run from Ellwood. The . . . — — Map (db m25877) HM
In March of 1949, Charlie Melton Dellenback Sr. became owner of the 169 acre tract that was a small part of the original Laurel Hill farm. This land included the farmhouse built in 1895 by William A. Mitchell and his son John. The farm contained . . . — — Map (db m241969) HM
The Grave of William Letcher is the oldest in Patrick County with an inscription that reads:
"In memory of William Letcher, who was assassinated in his own house in the bosom of his family by a Tory of the Revolution, on the 2nd day of August, . . . — — Map (db m162901) HM
Enclosed by this fence, is the grave of William Letcher an American patriot. This is the oldest known marked grave within Patrick County. William Letcher was born about 1750, and married Elizabeth Perkins about 1778. The couple most likely settled . . . — — Map (db m162899) HM
William Letcher, the maternal great-grandfather of James Ewell Brown Stuart, was born about 1750 near Petersburg, Virginia. He was the second son of Giles Letcher of Goochland County, who was born in Ireland, and his wife, Hannah Hughes, who was of . . . — — Map (db m162905) HM
200 yards south is “Poplar Grove,” Penn’s old home and burial place. At age 21 he “won his spurs” leading a company under General Lewis at Point Pleasant. During 1780–81 he organized the first Revolutionary troops from Henry and adjoining counties, . . . — — Map (db m65815) HM
From Blandford Heights to Pocahontas Bridge April 25, 1781 Here was fought the opening engagement of the decisive campaign of the revolution. 1000 American militia under Steuben, Muhlenberg, Dick and House opposed 2500 British under Phillips, . . . — — Map (db m6543) HM
Here was fought the Battle of Petersburg, April 25, 1781. The Southside Militia, 1000 strong and commanded by Baron Steuben and General Muhlenberg, made a brave resistance to 2500 British Regulars under Phillips and Arnold. — — Map (db m6540) HM
On 25 Apr. 1781, Maj. Gen. Friedrich von Steuben’s 1,000 Virginia militiamen, driven from the eastern edge of Blandford, established a strong defensive line along the western summit (now Madison Street) above Lieutenant Run valley. Maj. Gen. William . . . — — Map (db m14546) HM
To the west stood East Hill (Bollingbrook), home of the widow Mary Marshall Tabb Bolling. After the 25 Apr. 1781 Battle of Petersburg, British Maj. Gen. William Phillips and Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold located their headquarters at the house. The . . . — — Map (db m17633) HM
On 25 Apr. 1781, American Brig. Gen. Peter Muhlenberg formed his first line of 500 Virginia militia here to meet the British. The line extended along East Street from the Appomattox River to present-day Washington Street and consisted of two . . . — — Map (db m17634) HM
On 25 Apr. 1781, American Brig. Gen. Peter Muhlenberg’s Virginia militia fell back west from Blandford, under heavy British fire, to a prepared line of defense here along the crest of this hill. This second line of Virginia militia, consisting of . . . — — Map (db m17635) HM
On 24 Apr. 1781, Maj. Gen. William Phillips’s force of 2,500 British regulars landed at City Point, 12 miles to the east on the James River, as part of a major campaign to disrupt the American force’s main line of communication through Virginia. The . . . — — Map (db m14552) HM
About midday on 25 April 1781, Maj. Gen. William Phillips discovered that the right flank of the American militia, on the edge of Blandford was vulnerable to attack from the south and rear. He ordered Lt. Col. John Simcoe’s Queen’s Rangers and a . . . — — Map (db m14558) HM
The brick church on Well’s Hill, now known as Old Blandford Church, was built between 1734 and 1737, the British General Phillips was buried in the churchyard in 1781. In the cemetery is a monument to Captain McRae and the Petersburg Volunteers, who . . . — — Map (db m6538) HM
On the hilltop to the south is the site of East Hill, also known as Bollingbrook. There the British General Phillips, Benedict Arnold and Lord Cornwallis stayed in April and May, 1781. The house was bombarded by Lafayette, May 10, 1781. There . . . — — Map (db m14565) HM
This house was the town home of Peter Jones, who built it in 1763. It was called "Folly Castle" because it was a large house for a childless man, but Jones later had offspring. Major Erasmus Gill, Revolutionary soldier, also lived here. . . . — — Map (db m17613) HM
Here stood a dwelling house, constructed about 1764 by prosperous tobacco merchant, Richard Hanson, who, as a fervent Loyalist, fled Virginia in 1776. During the latter part of the Revolution, the structure became known as the Golden Ball Tavern. . . . — — Map (db m17618) HM
Mayfield, a classic example of Colonial Virginia architecture and the oldest standing brick house in Dinwiddie County, was once the manor house of a 1400-acre plantation. The probable builder and first owner was Robert Ruffin, friend of George . . . — — Map (db m208553) HM
Positions in the Battle of Petersburg
On 25 April 1781, this part of the community of Pocahontas served as the rear guard staging area for American Major General Frederick von Steuben’s Virginia militia in their defense of Petersburg against . . . — — Map (db m26831) HM
25 April 1781
In the late afternoon and evening of 24 April 1781, Virginia militia regiments of Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg’s Corps of about 1,000 men marched into Petersburg in order to counter an expected attack by the invading . . . — — Map (db m26829) HM
On April 25, 1871, a British army force of 2,500 soldiers under the command of Genera! William PhilIips attacked Petersburg, hoping to capture the American military supplies here and eventually link up with General Cornwallis’ army coming to . . . — — Map (db m57368) HM
Berry Hill is situated 5¼ miles to the south on the Dan River. The original portion of the main house was built in 1745 and there have been several additions. The property was used as a hospital for General Nathanael Greene's army during the spring . . . — — Map (db m66054) HM
Nearby to the east once stood the community
of Peytonsburg a part of Halifax County when
the county was formed in 1752. Peytonsburg
was incorporated as a town in 1759 by the Virginia
General Assembly and became part of Pittsylvania
County in . . . — — Map (db m20774) HM
To the memory of General Lafayette in grateful recognition of his valiant services and in commemoration of the hundredth anniversary of his visit to our city. — — Map (db m104376) WM
Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the nation's first government-owned yard, was privately founded here as Gosport Shipyard on 1 Nov. 1767. Virginia seized it in 1776, and it served the state navy during the American Revolution. The U.S. Navy leased it in . . . — — Map (db m76787) HM
This marks a line of British redoubts erected in March 1781 by order of Brigadier General Benedict Arnold who, under Major William Phillips, commanded British troops occupying Portsmouth. The line of fortifications extended in an arc along . . . — — Map (db m71739) HM
This marks the northern limit of a line of British redoubts erected in March 1781 by order of Brigadier General Benedict Arnold who, under Major General William Phillips, commanded British troops occupying Portsmouth. This line of fortifications . . . — — Map (db m21043) HM
A brick windmill near here was close to the southern limit of a line of British redoubts erected in March 1781 by order of Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, who under Major General William Phillips, commanded British troops occupying . . . — — Map (db m21112) HM
A British fleet under Commodore Sir George Collier sailed up the Elizabeth River and shelled Fort Nelson in May 1779, during the Revolutionary War. A landing force of 1,800 infantrymen led by Brig. Gen. Edward Mathew captured the fort on 10 May . . . — — Map (db m21146) HM
Lord Cornwallis, commanding the British troops in the south, reached Portsmouth, July, 1781. He prepared to send a portion of his force to New York. Before the movement was made, orders came for him to take up a position at Old Point. Cornwallis . . . — — Map (db m21114) HM
Near this spot on August 20, 1781, General Cornwallis and his troops embarked for Yorktown. This fateful action enabled the combined forces of General George Washington and French Admiral De Grasse to bottle up the British and force the surrender of . . . — — Map (db m83882) HM
The peaceful waters of Crawford Bay play host each year to a number of boating events including the Cock Island Race and the Crawford Bay Crew Classic. The homes visible across the inlet are in a neighborhood called Swimming Point. . . . — — Map (db m21072) HM
On the site of Portsmouth’s Naval Hospital stood Fort Nelson. There, Virginia’s Revolutionary government late in 1776 constructed the fort of timber and rammed earth. Three years later, the British fleet commanded by Admiral Sir George Collier . . . — — Map (db m21145) HM
In October 1775, Virginia’s last royal governor, the Earl of Dunmore, made his headquarters at Gosport, one mile south of here. After his defeat at Great Bridge and the destruction of Norfolk, he entrenched at Hospital Point, one mile north, but was . . . — — Map (db m20432) HM
A burial ground for early parishioners and clergy of St. Paul's Catholic Church was located on this site during the nineteenth century. Among those buried here were:
Patrick Robertson, who bequeathed the funds to purchase this property in 1810 . . . — — Map (db m165990) HM
Arnold, after going over to the British, was sent to Virginia to make war on the state. He reached Hampton Roads in December, 1780, raided to Richmond and came to Portsmouth, January 19, 1781. Establishing his headquarters in Patrick Robinson's . . . — — Map (db m71741) HM
Cumberland County. Area 293 square miles. Formed in 1748 from Goochland, and named for the Duke of Cumberland, second son of King George II. The earliest call for independence came from this county, April 22, 1776. . . . — — Map (db m21144) HM
Mosby’s Tavern
Benjamin Mosby operated a tavern on this site as early as 1741 in what was then Goochland County. In 1749 at the formation of Cumberland County, this tavern served as its Courthouse. The sessions were held here until Powhatan . . . — — Map (db m33105) HM
The Courthouse Tavern
Steeped in Powhatan history this large building evolved from the story and a half frame portion on the right which dates to the late 18th century. The impressive brick portion with the double galleries was completed in . . . — — Map (db m180217) HM
Prince Edward County. Area 356 Square Miles. Formed from Amelia, and named for Prince Edward, son of Frederick, prince of Wales, and younger brother of King George III. General Joseph E. Johnston was born in this county; . . . — — Map (db m31787) HM
