Historical Highway Markers - Virginia Department of Historic Resources

One of many Virginia Highway Markers that commemorate people, events or other historic resources within the Commonwealth. Visible from the road 24 hours a day.

SHADWELL, BIRTHPLACE OF THOMAS JEFFERSON

Peter Jefferson acquired the land in 1735, and built the house about 1737. Thomas Jefferson was born here, April 13, 1743. He lived here, 1743-1745, and 1752-1770. The house burned in 1770, and Jefferson then moved to Monticello.

One of many historic markers that commemorate important historic people, places or events. Markers are located on the side of the road and are visible 24 hours a day.

BATTLE OF TREVILIANS

Here, on June 12, 1864, Sheridan’s cavalry, coming from Trevillians, attacked Wade Hampton, who had taken position across the road. A bloody engagement followed. Fitz Lee joined Hampton, and the Union cavalry was driven back. That night Sheridan retired eastward.

Near here Custer of Sheridan’s cavalry, raiding westward, got between Fitz Lee’s division and the rest of Wade Hampton’s cavalry, capturing wagons. The Confederates recaptured the wagons but withdrew to the west after a fierce conflict, June 11, 1864.

On 4 June 1781, John "Jack" Jouett Jr. arrived at the Albemarle County Courthouse to warn the Virginia legislature of approaching British troops. The state government under Governor Thomas Jefferson had retreated from Richmond to reconvene in Charlottesville because of the threat of British invasion during the Revolutionary War. Jouett had spotted Colonel Banastre Tarleton and his 180 dragoons and 70 cavalrymen 40 miles east at Cuckoo Tavern in Louisa County, and rode through the night to reach here by dawn. Jouett's heroic ride, which allowed Jefferson and all but seven of the legislators to escape, was later recognized by the Virginia General Assembly, which awarded him a sword and a pair of pistols.

One of many Virginia Highway Markers that commemorate people, events or other historic resources within the Commonwealth. Visible from the road 24 hours a day.

BIRTHPLACE OF MERIWETHER LEWIS

Half a mile north was born, 1774, Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, sent by Jefferson to explore the Far West, 1804-1806. The expedition reached the mouth of the Columbia River, November 15, 1805.

One of many Virginia Highway Markers that commemorate people, events or other historic resources within the Commonwealth. Visible from the road 24 hours a day.

CLARK'S BIRTHPLACE

A mile north was born George Rogers Clark, defender of Kentucky and conqueror of the Northwest, November 19, 1752.

One of many Virginia Highway Markers that commemorate people, events or other historic resources within the Commonwealth. Visible from the road 24 hours a day.

EDGEHILL PLANTATION

The land was patented in 1735. The old house was built in 1790; the new in 1828. Here lived Thomas Mann Randolph, Governor of Virginia, 1819-1822, who married Martha, daughter of Thomas Jefferson.