The Whitaker’s Mill Archaeological Complex in York County can address important historical and archaeological issues related to domestic and commercial life in 18th- and 19th-century Virginia, as well as military life during the Civil War. It retains well-preserved traces of the Williamsburg-Yorktown Road, a commercially and militarily important 18th- and 19th-century road, and locally rare Civil War earthworks and encampments dating to 1862. The site includes part of the Battle of Williamsburg and was occupied by both Union and Confederate troops. It also served as the headquarters of Union Brigadier General Winfield Scott Hancock during phases of the battle. These features can expand knowledge of camp layout and camp life during this important battle. The Whitaker’s Mill Archaeological Complex can contribute to our understanding of domestic and commercial life at this time. As enslaved individuals have been documented at this complex, it could also reveal information about African American lifeways prior to the Civil War.
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
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