099-0010

Grace Church

VLR Listing Date

06/02/1970

NRHP Listing Date

09/15/1970

NRHP Reference Number

70000832

Grace Church, originally known as York-Hampton Parish Church, was built ca. 1697. It is probably the state’s only remaining colonial structure built of marl, a locally quarried soft material composed largely of shell matter, which hardens almost to stone when exposed to air. The Yorktown building was used as a magazine by Lord Cornwallis during the Revolutionary War. It was accidentally burned in 1814 and stood as a ruin until rebuilt in 1848. Further damage was done in the Civil War, when Union troops put a signal tower on the roof and used the interior for a hospital. The Grace Church was returned to service in 1870 and received a thorough renovation in 1926 when the belfry was added. In its churchyard is the magnificent 1745 English table tomb of Thomas Nelson, as well as the grave of his grandson Thomas Nelson, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.

Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

For additional information Read

Nomination Form

099-5091

Oak Grove Baptist Church Historic District

York (County)

099-5241

Colonial National Historical Park

James City (County)

047-0002

Colonial National Historical Park — Colonial Parkway

James City (County)