Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 03/20/2008
NRHP Listing Date 05/15/2008
NRHP Reference Number 08000426
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 our knowledge of camp layout and camp life during this important battle. The complex also contains a well-preserved mill complex that can contribute to our understanding of domestic and commercial life at this time. As enslaved individuals have been documented at this complex, the Whitaker’s Mill Archaeological Complex 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
Updated: March 27, 2023
