Test excavations conducted by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources at Swann’s Point in 1973 revealed two abutting brick domestic foundations measuring 60′ X 20′ total. The related artifacts strongly suggest that the structure was built for either William Swann, who patented the land in 1635, or his son Thomas. Thomas Swann held numerous public offices including local justice and member of the governor’s council. The fact that his residence was used for a meeting of royal commissioners in 1677 indicates that it was likely one of the colony’s better houses. Swann took the side of Nathaniel Bacon during the latter’s rebellion against Governor Berkeley but was spared punishment. His slab grave marker, carved with his coat of arms, remains at the site. Full investigation at the Swann’s Point Archaeological Site in Surry County should reveal much information on the architecture and objects associated with a member of Virginia’s 17th-century ruling class.
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
Programs
DHR has secured permanent legal protection for over 700 historic places - including 15,000 acres of battlefield lands
DHR has erected 2,532 highway markers in every county and city across Virginia
DHR has registered more than 3,317 individual resources and 613 historic districts
DHR has engaged over 450 students in 3 highway marker contests
DHR has stimulated more than $4.2 billion dollars in private investments related to historic tax credit incentives, revitalizing communities of all sizes throughout Virginia