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Cultural and Historic Resources 1

Gloucester County was established over 360 years ago, making it one of the oldest continuously settled 2 jurisdictions in the United States. Gloucester has remained a rural community throughout most of its 3 existence but in recent decades has seen growth and development at a record pace. This growth brings 4 prosperity but also several planning challenges. One of these challenges is ensuring that important 5 historic or cultural sites, structures, and districts are preserved and retain as much integrity as possible 6 in the face of development. Prioritizing the protection of historic resources in the Comprehensive Plan 7 will provide an opportunity for Gloucester County citizens to continue to enjoy their heritage and 8 promote cultural tourism by establishing clear goals and objectives for how the County should manage 9 these resources for future generations. 10

Gloucester’s Rich History 11

12 The earliest residents of what is now Gloucester County were the Powhatans. The capital of the 13 Powhatan chiefdom, known as Werowocomoco, was located on the shores of the York River. It was here 14 that Chief Powhatan ruled over the Native Americans in Eastern Virginia and also where the tribe 15 interacted with English colonists who explored Gloucester shortly after Jamestown was settled in 1607. 16 The legend of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas also originated at Werowocomoco, where they likely 17 met. 18

Gloucester was included as part of the eight original shires of Virginia that were established in 1634. 19 Gloucester County was officially formed from York County in 1651. It was named for Henry Stuart, Duke 20 of Gloucester, who was the son of King Charles I. The earliest land patents in Gloucester County were 21 granted beginning in 1639 and subsequently settlement proceeded rapidly. Gloucester became a major 22 tobacco producer by the mid-17th century. During the remainder of the 17th and 18th centuries 23 Gloucester’s landscape was dominated by major plantations. A number of these significant homes have 24 survived, while others are preserved as archaeological sites. Examples of important colonial 25 architecture include Ware and Abingdon Episcopal churches and the 1766 Courthouse. 26

In the time since Gloucester County was established, many historically significant events have played out 27 within its borders. Nathaniel Bacon died in Gloucester County in 1676 after retreating from Jamestown, 28 which he and his followers burned in defiance of Governor William Berkeley’s friendly policies toward 29 Native Americans. This event is known as Bacon’s Rebellion. 30

Tyndall’s Point, near present-day Gloucester Point, has served as an important military stronghold 31 through two major wars. The original fortifications were built in 1667 and reinforced numerous times. 32 During the siege of Yorktown and Gloucester, the Battle of the Hook, which occurred along several miles 33 of what is now U.S. Rt. 17 from Seawell’s Ordinary to the Point, dealt a decisive blow to Cornwallis’ 34 forces, causing him to surrender. Gloucester Point was the scene of the “Second Surrender” after 35

CHR-1 Draft for Review- May 2012

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Cornwallis forces laid down their arms in Yorktown. The same strategic point of land was re-fortified by 36 the Confederate Army at the beginning of the Civil War. It soon fell to Union hands and served as a base 37 of operations for Union forces as well as a gathering point for former slaves over the course of the war. 38

Gloucester County was home to several prominent citizens over the centuries as well. George 39 Washington’s ancestors lived in the area – most notably, his grandmother who resided at Warner Hall. 40 The Rosewell property was known as one of the largest estates in Virginia before was destroyed by fire 41 in 1916. It was at one time home to John Page, who often entertained his college friend, Thomas 42 Jefferson. Jefferson also attended church services at Abingdon Episcopal Church (occasionally with 43 Washington). Page himself was a Governor of Virginia and also served in the US Congress. The Burwells 44 were also an important family in Gloucester County, residing on the Fairfield Plantation. Lewis Burwell I 45 settled at Fairfield in 1651 where he produced tobacco. Fairfield stayed in the family for several 46 generations. Burwell’s great-grandson, known as Lewis Burwell I/II, was named to the governor’s council 47 and served as acting governor of the colony in 1751. 48

There are several other notable residents of Gloucester who made important contributions to society. 49 John Clayton was an 18th century botanist from Gloucester who had a wildflower named after him by 50 Carl Linnaeus. Dr. Walter Reed was a US Army surgeon born in Gloucester who discovered that yellow 51 fever is transmitted by mosquitoes. His work led to the ability to combat the disease which ultimately 52 allowed the Panama Canal to be built. 53

Gloucester was also home to several influential 20th century African American leaders. Robert R. Moton 54 was an educator at the Hampton Institute and later the principal of Tuskegee Institute following Booker 55 T. Washington’s term. He also lobbied to the Secretary of War for a black man to become an assistant to 56 the Secretary. He retired to Holly Knoll which became known as a “think tank” for African American 57 advancement. Several authorities of the day were invited to Holly Knoll to discuss important issues. T.C. 58 Walker was born in Gloucester County into slavery but overcame hardships to gain an education at the 59 Hampton Institute. Walker later became a lawyer and businessman. He was also the superintendent of 60 the Negro Schools of Gloucester County. 61

Gloucester is also the home of Irene Morgan, the young mother who in 1944 refused to give up her seat 62 on a bus to a white man. Thurgood Marshall argued and won Morgan’s case in 1946 before the United 63 States Supreme Court. While the resulting law was not clear-cut, Morgan’s efforts paved the way for 64 Rosa Parks to make a similar stand more than a decade later. 65

The daffodil plays an important role in the heritage of the county. Daffodils were first brought to 66 Gloucester with the original colonists in the 17th century. The soil and weather conditions were ideal for 67 the flower. Over time, bulbs were passed along or spread so that daffodils could be found all around the 68 county in the spring. Not until the late 19th century were the first commercial daffodils harvested and 69 shipped to Baltimore. Over the next several decades, many residents began commercially producing 70 daffodils until Gloucester became known as the “Daffodil Capital of the World” in the 1930s and 1940s, 71 bringing tourists and media attention to the area. Eventually, overproduction, rising costs and global 72


competition saw the decline of the daffodil industry in Gloucester. The importance of the daffodil to the 73 history of the County is honored each year at the Daffodil Festival. 74

Protection and Preservation Programs 75

Historic preservation enhances community character and shows that a community has pride and self-76 awareness. There are several methods available by which communities can make historic preservation a 77 reality. While much has been done privately to preserve local architecture and history in Gloucester, 78 many opportunities still exist to further preservation efforts. Most of the following programs provide 79 assistance by means of protection or preservation, tax benefits, or professional historical/architectural 80 consulting. Gloucester County in collaboration with other agencies and citizen groups should continue to 81 explore and promote these programs in an effort to continue preserving the rich history of the County. 82

National Register of Historic Places 83

The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) was created in 1966 and is under the administration of 84 the National Park Service (NPS). This official list is meant to document thousands of properties which are 85 important to the history of the United States. The registration of a historic property is an honor that is 86 granted by state and federal governments. The benefits to the property owner include tax credits, 87 technical assistance on maintenance or rehabilitation, and the ability to donate historic preservation 88 easements. Being included on the Register does not affect property values or taxes directly and the 89 property owner may still do what they wish with the property with no approvals required by the county, 90 state or federal government. However, specific guidelines must be met in order to receive the benefits 91 noted above. In addition, designation on the National Register provides an opportunity for the property 92 owner to get relief from some modern building code requirements for certain commercial uses. 93

Virginia Landmarks Register 94

The Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR) was also established in 1966 and is administered by the Virginia 95 Department of Historic Resources (DHR). The VLR is the State’s official list of important historical 96 properties in Virginia. An eligible property must first be included on the VLR before being nominated for 97 inclusion on the NRHP. The criteria for both Registers are the same. There are currently 31 properties in 98 Gloucester listed in the VLR and NRHP (Table HR-1). 99

National Historic Landmarks 100

Gloucester is fortunate to have one National Historic Landmark (NHL) within its borders. An NHL is a 101 nationally significant historic property that is demonstrates an exceptional value in interpreting the 102 heritage of the United States. The Robert R. Moton House (Holly Knoll) has been designated with this 103 honor. 104


Virginia Historic Preservation Easements 105

Since most of Virginia’s historic landmarks are held by private owners, they are vulnerable to loss or 106 degradation of historic quality. The Virginia Historic Preservation Easement Program allows owners of 107 historic properties to protect their investment in perpetuity. An easement allows the property to remain 108 with the owner while protecting the property from future development. The owner may also receive 109 certain financial benefits such as reduction in inheritance taxes or personal property taxes. Currently, 110 there are five historic easements in Gloucester County held by DHR: Burgh Westra, Roaring Springs, 111 Cappahosic House, Rosewell, and Gloucester Women’s Club (Map HR-1). 112

Historic Overlay District 113

Gloucester’s zoning ordinance includes a Historic Overlay District (H-1) shown on Map HR-1. The overlay 114 district was established to protect significant historical structures or sites so that they continue 115 contributing to the heritage of Gloucester County. The ordinance charges the County’s Historical 116 Committee with reviewing any applications regarding construction, demolition or alteration. The 117 ordinance also gives the Committee the responsibility to communicate with owners of properties in the 118 Historic Preservation District concerning the appearance and maintenance of said properties, including 119 any requirements mandated by DHR regarding historical easements. This overlay district was created in 120 1984 and includes properties that were on the NHRP at the time. No sites have been added to this 121 district since it was created. However, new properties can be added to this district by applying for a 122 rezoning. 123

The Courthouse Square Historic District is the only locally designated district that contains multiple 124 resources typical of a “district.” All of the other sites included in the Historic Preservation District are 125 spread throughout the County. This and the lack of enforceable language in the Historic Overlay 126 Ordinance have made the Committee’s role in reviewing applications challenging. However, attempts to 127 update the County’s regulations regarding historic resources have not been successful. The community 128 has expressed that preservation of private historic properties should be achieved through incentives 129 rather than regulations particularly for residential structures. Adaptive re-use of structures that provide 130 a mechanism for maintenance of existing structures should be encouraged. If more stringent 131 regulations and review are considered, they should apply to the districts which are used by the public 132 such as the Courthouse District. 133

Non-Profit Preservation 134

There are opportunities for non-profit groups or private entities to preserve and maintain historical and 135 archaeological resources in Gloucester County. For example, the Walter Reed Birthplace is owned and 136 maintained by Preservation Virginia. Warner Hall and the Toddsbury properties are privately owned, 137 but are also operated by their owners as a country inn and bed and breakfast, respectively. The 138 Rosewell Foundation and the Fairfield Foundation are two non-profit groups that were established to 139 preserve, study and present specific historically significant sites within the County. 140


HOCKLEY

ROSEWELL

AIRVILLE

QUEST END

FAIRFIELD

TODDSBURY

LANDS END

WHITE HALL

TIMBERNECK

KEMPSVILLE

CAPPAHOSIC

WARNER HALL

BURGH WESTRA

LITTLE ENGLAND

ROARING SPRINGS

LOWLAND COTTAGE

ABINGDON CHURCH

WOODVILLE SCHOOL

WARE PARISH CHURCH

ABINGDON GLEBE HOUSE

WALTER REED'S BIRTHPLACE

ZION POPLARS BAPTIST CHURCH

WARE NECK STORE AND POST OFFICE

SHELLEY ARCHAEOLOGICALDISTRICT

WEROWOCOMOCO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

HOLLY KNOLL/ROBERT R. MOTON HOUSE

GLOUCESTER POINT ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISTRICT

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GLOUCESTER WOMEN'S CLUB

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The Historical Society has been instrumental in the preservation of several historic sites and structures, 141 however the costs associated with rehabilitation and long term maintenance of historic structures is 142 often more than most private non-profit groups can manage given the lack of financial and personnel 143 resources. 144

In order to streamline historic preservation goals, Gloucester County should consider developing an 145 “umbrella” organization that would assist in coordinating the various groups and agencies that share a 146 common mission. Although there is already substantial cooperation and collaboration between these 147 groups, providing comprehensive coordination would lead to better synergy and efficiency by creating 148 structure, support and cross-promotional opportunities. In addition to supporting non-profit groups, 149 such an organization may be able to assist private property owners in obtaining some of the benefits to 150 historic preservation thereby protecting properties through incentives rather than regulatory means.151


Historic and Cultural Resources 152

153

Gloucester’s rich history is reflected in the large number of historic properties, historic districts, and 154 archaeological sites which have been preserved for their importance at the local, state, and national 155 levels. The following is a summary of the unique historical and cultural resources found within the 156 County. 157

Historic Sites and Structures 158

Gloucester County boasts several significant cultural and historic resources important to the 159 development of the Virginia and the United States. Table 1 lists all of the sites that have been formally 160 added to the VLR and NRHP registries. Some of these sites are also included in the local Historic 161 Preservation District but as indicated previously, only those sites recognized prior to the adoption of the 162 Zoning Code in 1984 have been designated pursuant to Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance. 163

There are many sites and rural districts in Gloucester which are historically and culturally significant that 164 may or may not be eligible for inclusion on the VLR and NRHP. It is important for the County to identify 165 as many of these sites as possible through an inventory so that it can plan for these resources 166 accordingly. An inventory of historic resources will allow the County to ascertain the relative historical or 167 cultural importance of each site or district in order to create the necessary tools to protect them, such 168 as land use regulations, zoning, and greenways, among others. Members of the Historical Committee 169 are working with the Departments of Planning and Information Technology to compile such an inventory 170 from existing resources. In addition to identifying resources in need of protection, it is hoped that this 171 information can also be used for a variety of purposes such as education, research and tourism 172 opportunities. This list could be updated as new information and sites are discovered. 173

174


Property VLR NRHP Historic Preservation

District Rosewell 11/5/1968 10/1/1969 Yes Toddsbury 9/9/1969 11/12/1969 Yes Abingdon Church 7/7/1970 9/15/1970 Yes Abingdon Glebe House 7/7/1970 9/15/1970 Yes Little England 10/6/1970 12/18/1970 Yes Lowland Cottage 4/6/1971 9/22/1971 Yes Roaring Springs 8/15/1972 9/22/1972 Yes Ware Parish Church 10/17/1972 3/20/1973 Yes Fairfield Site 2/20/1973 7/16/1973 Yes Gloucester County Courthouse Square Historic District

2/20/1973 10/3/1973 Yes

Walter Reed Birthplace 4/17/1973 9/20/1973 Yes Gloucester Women's Club 11/20/1973 1/24/1974 Yes Lands End 9/17/1974 11/6/1974 Yes Burgh Westra 4/20/1976 10/8/1976 Yes Kempsville 9/20/1977 12/21/1978 Yes Timberneck 6/19/1979 9/10/1979 Removed per

rezoning 5/9/2009

Warner Hall 6/17/1980 11/25/1980 Yes Holly Knoll/Robert R. Moton House * 3/16/1982 12/21/1981 Yes White Hall 5/15/1984 8/16/1984 No Gloucester Point Archaeological District

4/21/1987 6/10/1985 No

Shelly Archeological District 8/15/1989 7/12/1990 No Airville 10/16/1990 12/6/1990 No Zion Poplars Baptist Church 6/16/1999 8/5/1999 No Cappahosic House 12/4/2002 4/11/2003 No Woodville School 12/3/2003 2/11/2004 No Werowocomoco Archaeological Site 12/7/2005 3/15/2006 No Quest End 3/20/2008 5/9/2008 No Ware Neck Store and Post Office 3/18/2009 6/3/2009 No TC Walker House 9/17/2009 12/4/2009 No Hockley 3/18/2010 7/9/2010 No Gloucester Downtown Historic District

9/30/2010 12/27/2010 No

Table 1: Officially designated Gloucester County historic and cultural resources 175 *This site is also a National Historic Landmark 176


177


Historic Districts 178

Gloucester County is fortunate to have two historic districts listed on the NRHP and the VLR. 179 Both recognize historic properties in the downtown area. 180

The Gloucester County Courthouse Square Historic District is located in the middle of town on 181 Main Street. It stands as a classic example of an early Virginia county seat complex. The large 182 green enclosed by a red brick wall, comprises a circular courtyard with five buildings, including 183 an old debtor’s prison, a jail, the Roane Building, the Clayton Building, and the courthouse from 184 1766. It is surrounded by other historic structures, including “lawyer’s row”, the Botetourt 185 Hotel, and the Birkhofer Building. Gloucester County owns and maintains the buildings within 186 the Court Circle. The Courthouse is used for public meetings by the Board of Supervisors and 187 other groups but is open to the public during the day as are several other buildings within the 188 Court Green. 189

The Gloucester Downtown Historic District is comprised of the seven blocks of Main Street 190 from the courthouse circle to Ware House Road. This District demonstrates both significance 191 and integrity as an independent rural town developed from the Colonial period to the modern 192 day. This District was nominated through the efforts of the Main Street Preservation Trust 193 (MSPT) based on the recommendations of the Courthouse Village Plan. The designation was 194 initiated to encourage commercial properties owners along Main Street to take advantage of 195 the tax incentives for maintenance and improvement of these structures within the district. 196

Archaeological Resources 197

Archaeological resources can include specific sites or larger areas where evidence of past human 198 life or activities has been discovered. Generally, these sites must also be of a certain age and 199 have some historical significance in order to warrant special protection. Archaeological 200 resources tell the stories of previous generations by studying artifacts and other evidence of 201 landscape disturbance. These artifacts and surrounding landscapes are fragile and any 202 disturbance can destroy the chance to understand the site. Although there are many 203 archaeological sites that have been identified in Gloucester County, there are two major areas 204 that contain outstanding archaeological resources. 205

The Gloucester Point Archaeological District is located on Route 1208 and U.S. Route 17 at 206 Gloucester Point. The district includes portions of Tyndall's Point Park, remnants of Confederate 207 and Union fortifications, and the original site of colonial Gloucestertown. The western half of 208 colonial Gloucestertown is now part of the campus of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science 209 (VIMS). 210

Werowocomoco was a Native American village located on Purtan Bay in Gloucester County. At 211 the time Jamestown was settled in 1607 by the English, Werowocomoco was the capital of the 212


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Powhatan chiefdom where Chief Powhatan resided. Werowocomoco was abandoned in 1609 in 213 order to move further away from the English colonists. The site is said to be where Captain John 214 Smith was held and later rescued by the chief’s daughter, Pocahontas. Smith’s notes, maps, and 215 other historic documents as well as extensive archaeological field research conducted at the site 216 since 2003, have confirmed the location of Werowocomoco. This nationally important site is 217 located on private property, but the current owners have allowed researchers to study the area. 218 The site was added to the NRHP in 2006. 219

The County currently has no regulations or requirements for determining the impacts of 220 development on archaeological or cultural resources within the County. Cultural Resource 221 Surveys (CRS) are often requested on properties subject to rezoning proposals; however, this 222 requires the applicant to proffer the survey. The County is currently exploring the opportunities 223 to determine impacts of development on cultural resources based on enabling legislation 224 adopted by the General Assembly in 2009. One of the difficulties is determining when to 225 require a CRS. An archaeological assessment of the County would assist staff and decision 226 makers in determining areas of the County that would be potential candidates for a CRS based 227 on previous cultural events or documentation. This would also enable developers to be 228 informed of those more sensitive areas of the County that would require additional 229 documentation and planning based on the potential for cultural resources on the site. Use of 230 the survey could encourage developers of these sites to avoid and protect cultural resources 231 through ordinances such as a clustering or density bonuses, that allow for flexibility in the site 232 design and minimum lot sizes in return for protection of significant cultural resources. 233


Cultural Heritage Tourism 234

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, cultural heritage tourism is defined as 235 “traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the 236 stories and people of the past and present. It includes cultural, historic and natural resources.” 237 Tourism is a powerful economic development tool in its own right and when linked with culture 238 and heritage, can be more effective than promoting them separately. Heritage tourism can 239 provide significant economic benefits in the form of new businesses, new jobs, and higher 240 property values. The unseen benefits of cultural heritage tourism include a higher quality of life 241 for residents and the promotion of community pride. 242

Gloucester has demonstrated pride in its past by developing several opportunities for visitors to 243 discover the County’s history. From driving tours and festivals to historic homes and museums, 244 Gloucester already enjoys its position as a destination for cultural heritage tourists in Hampton 245 Roads. 246

The following describes several of the cultural heritage programs or facilities that are already in 247 place in Gloucester County. 248

Gloucester Museum of History 249

The Gloucester Museum of History is housed in a late-18th century structure known as the 250 Botetourt Building. The building was originally constructed as a tavern or ordinary and has also 251 been used as a hotel and County administration building. The museum houses several 252 permanent exhibits through the year and also showcases traveling or seasonal exhibits. 253

Gloucester Visitors Center 254

The Visitors Center is located in the Roane Building within the Court Green and is staffed by 255 volunteers coordinated by the efforts of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The 256 Roane Building was the former Clerk’s Office built in 1894. 257

Historic Tours 258

Historic tours offer residents and visitors alike a chance to visit several related sites at their own 259 pace. Gloucester has developed three driving tours each highlighting a different aspect of the 260 history and culture of the County. The African American Heritage Trails Tour takes visitors to 261 several important sites relating to African American history in Gloucester, which has greatly 262 influenced how the County developed over time. The History and Adventure Trail is a seasonal 263 program that leads visitors to several historic properties in the County. Finally, the Driving Tour 264 of Gloucester County’s Country Stores and Rural Post Offices offers visitors a unique 265 opportunity to appreciate the early rural life of Gloucester County residents. 266


The Virginia Civil War Trails is also a driving tour that includes two stops in Gloucester. Tyndall’s 267 Point Park preserves a portion of the Confederates fortifications and earthworks. These 268 defenses helped block General George McClellan from using the York River during the Peninsula 269 Campaign. The second site, designated in 2009, is the Court Green on Main Street. 270

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail has identified several interpretive 271 locations in Gloucester County, both on water and on land. Gloucester Point was designated as a 272 Gateway to the York River portion of the trail. The John Smith Trail follows the routes taken by 273 John Smith over the course of several excursions around the Chesapeake Bay between 1607 and 274 1609. Some of the locations on the Trail include Capahosic Landing, Werowocomoco, 275 Poropotank, and Rosewell. 276

State Historical Markers 277

Gloucester County has several historical highway markers installed under the DHR Historical 278 Marker Program. The markers provide an accessible way for the public to learn about the 279 history and people of Gloucester County while promoting tourism in the process. Applications 280 for new markers can be made by any person or group with funding as long as the place, event, 281 or person has been historically significant for over 50 years. There are currently 25 historical 282 highway markers in Gloucester County (Table 2). 283

Table 2: State Historical Markers in Gloucester County 284

285

Marker Title Year Placed

Marker Title Year Placed

King and Queen County/Gloucester County

1928 Thomas Calhoun Walker 1986

Middlesex County/Gloucester County

1928 Marlfield 1986

Gloucester Courthouse 1928 Robert Russa Moton 1991 Ware Church 1928 United Negro College Fund 1993 To Gwynn’s Island 1928 Rosewell 1997 Warner Hall 1928 Gloucester Agricultural &

Industrial School 2000

Tarleton’s Last Fight 1928 Zion Poplars Baptist Church (2)

2000

Gloucester Point 1928 Dr. Walter Reed’s Birthplace 2001 Early Land Patent 1930 Gloucester Training School 2001 Poplar Spring Church 1930 Bethel Baptist Church 2001 Abingdon Church 1935 Fairfield 2003 Cappahosic 1948


Festivals and Other Events 286

The Daffodil Festival is the premiere annual event in Gloucester County. Held in the spring, the 287 festival celebrates the history and importance of the daffodils in Gloucester, which dates back to 288 the original English settlers in the County. The weekend event features a wide range of activities 289 from a parade, 5K run, classic cars, live music, Daffodil Queen crowning, and many others. 290

Other cultural events include Historic Garden Week, Gloucester County Fair, Guinea Jubilee, and 291 reenactments of military events. 292

Linking Cultural, Historic and Natural Resources 293

Gloucester also has significant natural resources that contribute to the cultural fabric of the 294 County. By its definition, a green infrastructure network is meant to link larger hubs of 295 ecologically significant landscapes together using linear green spaces, known as corridors. 296 Typically, the landscape hubs are conservation and open space lands but the definition can be 297 expanded to include working forests, farms, historic areas, and parks. Corridors can include 298 stream buffers, scenic byways, or hiking trails. Linking cultural, historic and natural resources in 299 a green infrastructure network provides multiple benefits to the human population as well as 300 the wildlife population. 301

The historic and cultural resources that exist in Gloucester County could become part of the 302 framework on which to build a green infrastructure network. Just as the County is planning for 303 future public utilities and roads, it should also plan for its natural and cultural infrastructure. The 304 County should develop a green infrastructure plan using locally significant historic, cultural and 305 recreational sites. This would allow Gloucester to create a specific blueprint to link its cultural, 306 historical and natural resources together into one interconnected system and plan for the 307 protection of the streetscapes and areas surrounding these important resources. An established 308 plan will also give guidance to tourism and agritourism activities as well as achieve the County’s 309 goals of maintaining rural character and protecting its historical, cultural and natural resources 310 for residents and visitors alike. The plan could identify potential rural historic districts such as 311 Ware Neck and other areas dispersed with historic plantations, low density residential 312 development, and active agricultural lands. The rural character and historic landscapes can be 313 protected and preserved through various tools such as historic and open space easements, 314 Purchase or Transfer of Development Rights (PDR and TDR) programs, cluster development 315 tools and designation of greenways overlays. 316

The geographical representation of these important features not only provides for the 317 protection of the context and character in which these resources exist but also provides 318 opportunities to create unique tourism and recreational experiences. The County can better 319


plan for the development of bike routes and blueways which provide alternative transportation 320 options to view or visit some of these historic sites and natural areas. 321

Works Cited 322

Gloucester County, Virginia. (2009). Gloucester Courthouse Village Plan. 323

Thomas Jefferson Foundation. (2003). Archaeological Sites. Retrieved 5 23, 2011, from Digital 324 Archaeological Archive of Comparative Slavery: 325 http://www.daacs.org/resources/sites/FairfieldQuarter/FairfieldQuarterhistory.html# 326

Virginia Department of Historic Resources. (2011). Virginia Historical Highway Markers Search. 327 Retrieved November 2010, from Historical Highway Markers: 328 http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/hiway_markers/hwmarker_search.htm 329

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Cultural and Historic Resources 347

Goals Objectives Implementation Strategies Short Term

Long Term

To respect historic and cultural values, including preservation of historic sites and buildings, archaeological and cultural sites representing various periods of architecture and history within the County.

Establish a clear directive for decision makers for how the community wishes to protect and manage historical and cultural resources for future generations.

To preserve and maintain structures of significant historical, architectural or cultural value and their immediate environment and/or historical setting.

To encourage and promote the adaptive reuse of historically or culturally significant buildings and structures.



Long Term

To promote the economic benefits of historic resources as a source of community pride, enhancement and as a draw for tourism

Advance the activities, responsibilities and capacity of the Historical Committee in order to be able to assist the county and other groups in implementation of the community’s goals for historic and cultural resources.

To discourage the loss of historic or culturally significant structures through “benign neglect” or natural causes by encouraging and supporting the repair and maintenance of these structures in a stable and secure condition until such time as the owner can restore the structure in a historically compatible means.

Consider development or designation of an umbrella group or agency to coordinate the efforts of the many historical, cultural and tourism groups within the County in order to better capitalize on the various opportunities, resources and expertise each of the organizations provides and implement the recommendations contained herein.



Long Term

Provide incentives for developers to preserve archaeological resources as part of the plan of development through flexibility in site design, density bonus and other tools.

Establish an historical review committee qualified with appropriate credentials to make informed and fair decisions regarding impacts to significant historic structures and sites. Based on an inventory of important historic buildings and sites, plan for development in the surrounding areas surrounding through appropriate land use regulations, such as zoning, overlay districts, greenways, and other tools that will protect or enhance the historically or culturally significant features in the context in which they currently exist.

To survey and recognize buildings and sites of historic, architectural, or cultural value.



Long Term

Develop an inventory of the county’s resources using a gradient approach for significance. The inventory should include historical structures and sites, archaeological sites, and sites of cultural significance and identify the level of importance from a national, state or local level.

To investigate opportunities for funding a complete survey of historical, archaeological, and cultural structures and sites. The landmarks would be ranked by priority for preservation or conservation efforts.

To establish a program for encouraging or assisting owners of important historical buildings and sites to submit applications to the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Promote historic, archaeological and cultural resources through education and identification by signs, markers, maps and other means.



Long Term

Work with state and non-profit agencies to educate historic property owners of the tax incentives available for preserving and restoring historically significant properties.

Make every reasonable effort to protect and preserve archaeological resources affected by or adjacent to any acquisition, stabilization, preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, construction, or reconstruction project.

To improve accessibility and levels of use of historic places.

Explore the possibility of acquiring major historical or archaeological sites for public use as museums, tourist attractions, and parkland.

To promote tourism of Gloucester’s historic landmarks and local contributions to the nation’s history.



Long Term

To promote the economic benefits of protecting historic resources for both tourism and for attracting businesses to the community.

Use a green infrastructure planning approach to create alternative recreational opportunities for enjoying the County’s cultural and natural resources.

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