Historical Markers in
Charles City County, Virginia

Action of Nance's Shop America’s 3rd Oldest Courthouse Barnetts Benjamin Harrison Benjamin Harrison Berkeley and Harrison's Landing Berkeley Plantation or Harrison's Landing Binns Hall Blanks Crossroads Cannon Ball Capt. John Woodliffe Captain John Smith’s Trail on the James Charles City Court House Chickahominy Water Trail Confederate Memorial Dedicated To Learning Evelynton Eye Witness to a Revolution First English Thanksgiving in Virginia First Official Thanksgiving Fort Pocahontas Grant's Crossing Greenway Herring Creek Herring Creek & Kimages Holdcroft Isaac Brandon Lynched, 6 April 1892 John Smith Captured by Virginia Indians John Smith Explores the Chesapeake John Tyler Kennon's Landing Kittiewan and Doctor Rickman Kittiewan Plantation Lane to Site of First Thanksgiving Lott Cary Birthplace Mt. Zion & Rustic New Hope & Court House North Bend Old Quaker Settlement - Adkins Store Origin of Taps Paspahegh Indians Piney Grove Piney Grove and E. A. Saunders Piney Grove and Southalls President Tyler's Home Richmond Condita Roxbury Ruthville Salem Church Sandy Point & Cherry Hall Scene of Jefferson’s Wedding Sherwood Forest Shifting Ground Shirley Stuart's Ride Stuart's Ride Sturgeon Point & Kennons Swineyards - Willcox Wharf Three Courthouse Essentials Upper Weyanoke Veterans Memorial Wayside & Granville Westover Westover Westover Church Westover Plantation Wilcox’s Landing Willie Johnston Wryanoke & Parrish Hill
In 1619, the Virginia House of Burgesses became the first representative assembly in the Americas. It was the beginning of a tradition of representative government that would later influence the creation of the United States government.
Virginia random facts
Charles City County, Virginia is one of the oldest counties in the United States, with a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 17th century. Established in 1619, it was one of the eight original shires created by the Virginia Company of London. The county was named in honor of King Charles I and quickly became an important center of settlement and commerce in the Virginia Colony.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Charles City County played a significant role in the development of America. It was home to many prominent colonial families, including the Shirley, Harrison, and Harrison families, who owned vast plantations and helped shape the economic and political landscape of Virginia. The county also witnessed the establishment of numerous tobacco plantations, which became the dominant industry and source of wealth for the region.

Charles City County also has deep historical connections with the Native American Powhatan Confederacy, as it was once the territory of Chief Powhatan. The county was also the birthplace of Pocahontas, the famous Native American princess who famously saved the life of English settler John Smith. These connections highlight the cultural significance and historical importance of the county.

In more recent history, Charles City County has gone through various changes and developments. It played a role in the American Revolution, with several important battles taking place in the area. The county also saw significant agricultural shifts, transitioning from a tobacco-based economy to more diverse farming practices, including the cultivation of grains and fruit crops.

Overall, Charles City County, Virginia has a fascinating history that spans centuries. It has been a witness to the early colonial era, the struggles of the American Revolution, and the transformation of its agricultural practices. Today, the county preserves its historical charm and serves as a reminder of Virginia's colonial past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Charles City County, Virginia.

  • 1607: Charles City County is established as one of the original Virginia colonies.
  • 1619: The first representative legislative assembly in America, the House of Burgesses, is held in Charles City County.
  • 1622: The Native American Powhatan Confederacy launches a major attack in the area, known as the Indian Massacre of 1622.
  • 1634: Charles City becomes one of the eight original shires (counties) of Virginia.
  • 1670s: The county's economy thrives with tobacco cultivation, slave labor, and the development of plantations.
  • 1740s: The county seat is moved from Charles City Point to what is now known as Charles City.
  • 1862: During the American Civil War, Union troops occupy Charles City County.
  • 20th century: The county experiences various changes in demographics, economic activities, and infrastructure development.