County of Northampton

A mock-up design for Northampton County's new Local Marker Program.

(EASTVILLE, VIRGINIA) April 9, 2025 – The Northampton County Board of Supervisors approved three markers for the county’s new “Local Marker Program” at their April meeting. The markers recognize the 1652 Northampton Protest, the Quaker Meeting House in Franktown, and Shorter’s Chapel. The markers are a legacy project of the Northampton Virginia250 Local Commission and recognize basic Constitutional rights of the freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. The markers, to be ordered from a foundry, will encourage tourists and residents to tour the scenic backroads of the county and learn about local history.
  

Chatham Vineyards in Bridgetown, VA. Photo credit: Jean E Flynn

The 1652 Northampton Protest application was written by Dr. David Scott and the marker will read: “1652 PROTEST - First organized protest in Colonies against taxation without representation in response to poll tax at nearby tavern, March 1652.” It will be located at the entrance of Chatham Vineyards. 

Read the application for the 1652 Protest marker. (PDF)

The Quaker Meeting House marker application was written by Luke Kelley and will read: “FIRST QUAKERS - South of here was the first Quaker Meeting House on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, built in the late 1600s on Meetinghouse Creek.” People now know this creek as Warehouse Creek. The marker will be placed by the historic Franktown Town Hall.

Read the application for the Quaker Meeting House marker. (PDF)

Shorter's Chapel in Bridgetown. "The church that sits on the hill with doors that swing on friendly hinges." Photo credit: Jean E Flynn

The Shorter’s Chapel marker application was written by Mandy Giddens and Annie Hess. It reads, “SHORTER’S CHAPEL - A.M.E. Church worship began circa 1866 by Rev John Offer in the Freedman’s Bureau Bridgetown school. Church additions added 1883-1886.” The marker will be placed at the church in Bridgetown.

Read the application for Shorter's Chapel marker. (PDF) 

Individuals and groups can submit a Northampton Local History Marker application following the guidelines available on the Northampton County website.

Markers do not need to be specific to the Virginia250 anniversary commemoration. The marker design is different than the state markers. Marker applications for a state historical marker may still be submitted to the Department of Historic Resources, however, this process is very competitive and can be complex. Historical markers are a legacy installation to recognize people, places, and events of significance to the county, state, and nation. National Historical Marker Day will be April 25, 2025. Citizens are encouraged to gently clean historical plaques and markers with dish soap and a soft brush.