Northampton installs three new historical markers

Drivers on the scenic back roads of Northampton County will now learn about county history. The County created a new historical marker program in early 2025 upon the recommendation of the Virginia250 Local Commission (Northampton250) and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR). The Northampton County, Virginia Historical Local Marker Program (LMP) is designed to promote resident and visitor interest and education in the rich history of Northampton County, from pre-Colonial times to the 20^th Century.

The new markers, installed the week of September 15, will recognize Shorter’s Chapel A.M.E. Church (Bridgetown), the Northampton Protest of 1652 (Church Neck), and the Quaker Meeting House (Franktown). The selection of the topics and the approvals of the applications follow the new LMP policy found on the county’s website. The markers were funded by county tourism grants and installed by the county Department of Public Works staff.

Northampton County has chosen to implement a LMP in addition to the traditional DHR Highway Marker Program because the program will:

Broaden the location of marker locations to include other public properties besides highway roadsides, such as trails and parks.
Maintain more local control over the content and scope of markers chosen to meet local interests and initiatives with a local committee approving selections.
Expedite the selection and installation process.
Eliminate competition with other municipalities in the selection process.

Northampton County has realized that historic tourism is an important economic driver with its unique, well-recorded history. It has the oldest, continuous court records in the United States. The projects of the Northampton250 create new infrastructure for long-term tourist interest that appeals to a broad audience, including local residents.

To celebrate their new marker, Shorter’s Chapel A.M.E. Church will hold a reception on Thursday, September 25 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at 10228 Bayside Road, near the intersection of Church Neck Road. The public is welcome to attend. Shorter’s Chapel is on both of the new Northampton250 driving tours which are available on the county website: https://www.co.northampton.va.us/visitors/tourism/free_things_to_see_and_do/free_history_lessons/northampton250