Eltham, Virginia facts for kids
Eltham is a small community in New Kent County, Virginia, United States. It is located near the towns of West Point. Eltham was named after a large historical farm known as Eltham Plantation.
Eltham Plantation: A Historic Home
Eltham Plantation was a large farm with a grand house. It was built in New Kent County, Virginia. The Bassett family owned this important property for many years.
Captain William Bassett came from England in the 1600s. He received the land for Eltham Plantation in 1647. His son, Colonel William Bassett, later built a brick mansion on the land. He named it "Eltham" after his family's home in England.
Later, another William Bassett owned the farm. His son, Burwell Bassett, inherited Eltham. Burwell Bassett was married to Anna Maria "Fanny" Bassett. She was the sister of Martha Washington, the wife of General George Washington.
After Burwell Bassett passed away, his son, Burwell Bassett Jr., inherited Eltham. He was a member of Congress for 30 years. The farm then passed to other family members. The main house at Eltham Plantation was destroyed by fire after the Civil War.
George Washington's Visit
Eltham Plantation was a significant place during the American Revolutionary War. Martha Washington's sister, Anna Maria Dandridge, lived there with her husband, William Burwell Bassett.
In 1781, after the important Yorktown Campaign, General George Washington rode quickly to Eltham. He went to be with his stepson, John Parke Custis. John had become very sick during the war. Sadly, he passed away at the plantation near the Pamunkey River.
Today, Eltham Manor in Bassett, Virginia is named after this historic plantation.
Eltham's Landing: A Civil War Port
Eltham Landing was a key location during the American Civil War. In 1862, it became an important port for the Union army. This was during the Peninsula Campaign. Many supplies and soldiers moved through Eltham Landing.
The original manor house at Eltham Landing was destroyed by fire in 1876. Today, the local newspaper, New Kent - Charles City Chronicle, is published in Eltham.
