Simmons-Sebrell-Camp House
a.k.a. Zebulon Simmons Tract
Zebulon Simmons Tract, Courtland, VA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first African American governor in the United States, L. Douglas Wilder, was elected in Virginia in 1989.
By the late 17th century, English settlers began to venture further into the interior of Virginia, including what is now Southampton County. In 1749, the county was officially established and named after Southampton, England. The region quickly became known for its fertile soil and agrarian way of life, with tobacco plantations dominating the local economy.
During the American Revolution, Southampton County played a pivotal role. The county saw its fair share of conflicts between loyalists and patriots, with notable figures such as General Francis Rawdon-Hastings and General Nathanael Greene passing through the region. The Battle of Parker's Ferry in 1781, which involved local militia and British troops, further highlighted the county's involvement in the war.
In the 19th century, Southampton County became known for its large enslaved population and was the site of a significant event in American history – the Nat Turner Rebellion. In 1831, Nat Turner, a local enslaved preacher, led a slave rebellion that resulted in the deaths of approximately 55 white individuals. The rebellion was suppressed, and Turner was captured and executed. This event had a profound impact on the region and fueled tensions between enslaved individuals and slaveholders in the years leading up to the American Civil War.
Today, Southampton County still reflects its agricultural heritage, with farming being a major component of its economy. The county has also seen industrial growth, with the establishment of various manufacturing companies. Southampton County's history is a testament to the complex and diverse nature of Virginia's past, highlighting the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the region over the centuries.
Southampton County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Southampton County, Virginia.
- 1607 - English settlers arrive at Jamestown, and Southampton County is part of the Virginia Colony
- 1634 - Southampton County is officially established as one of Virginia's eight original shires
- 1676 - Bacon's Rebellion, a popular uprising against colonial authority, affects Southampton County
- 1749 - The county courthouse is constructed in Jerusalem (now Courtland)
- 1831 - Nat Turner's Rebellion occurs, leading to stricter slave codes and tensions in Southampton County
- 1858 - The Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad is completed, bringing economic development to the area
- 1861-1865 - Southampton County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1892 - The county courthouse burns down and is subsequently rebuilt
- 1958 - Robert F. Kennedy visits Southampton County during his campaign for the U.S. Senate
- 2004 - A tornado causes significant damage in Southampton County
- 2010 - Southampton County celebrates its 375th anniversary