Historical Marker

New Providence

The McAfee Company first visited Salt River in 1773 to choose a location for settlement. While returning to Virginia, they were near starvation until Robert McAfee killed a deer which provided food for them. Later when they built their church on Salt River, it was named New Providence to commemorate this act of divine providence in their behalf.

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House of Worship - The McAfee Company returned to Salt River, 1779, to establish their permanent settlement. In 1785 the first building to serve as meeting place and school house was erected 3/4 mi. east. Present church building was started in 1861; Civil War delayed completion until 1864. Continuous worship services have been held since church's founding.