Lightfoot, Virginia facts for kids

Lightfoot, once known as Kelton, is a community in Virginia, near Williamsburg. It's unique because it sits right on the border between James City County and York County.

Lightfoot was first called Six-Mile Ordinary. This name came from its location: six miles west of the colonial capital, Williamsburg. It was on the main road to Richmond. An "ordinary" was like an old-fashioned inn or hotel. Travelers could find food, lodging, and a place for their horses to rest.

Nearby, a place called War Hill is famous for a battle during the American Revolutionary War. On June 26, 1781, American and French soldiers fought British troops there. This battle was part of the campaign that led to the American victory at Yorktown. This victory helped America become an independent country.

In 1881, a railway was built through the area. A train station named Kelton was established. The name "Lightfoot" came later, in 1882. When a post office opened, the first postmaster suggested the name. It might have been named after Philip Lightfoot, a well-known lawyer. Or, it could have been named for Lightfoot Taylor, who ran a stagecoach stop there.

The Williamsburg Pottery Factory was once a vast complex of buildings located in Lightfoot. It has since been renovated.

Today, Lightfoot is well-known for the Williamsburg Pottery Factory. This used to be a very large shopping area. At one time, a sign welcomed visitors to Lightfoot as "Home of the Williamsburg Pottery Factory."

Lightfoot also has many shops, hotels, and restaurants. You can find the Great Wolf Lodge, a popular family resort. There's also a fun amusement park called Go-Karts Plus. In 2006, a new hospital, the Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, opened here. Major roads like Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 60 are close by.

Bruton High School opened in Lightfoot in 1976. Later, a large area of land called the Warhill tract was bought for public use. In 1999, the Warhill Sports Complex opened there. Then, in 2005, construction began on the new Warhill High School. It opened its doors to students in 2007.

Climate

Lightfoot has a climate with hot, humid summers. Winters are generally mild to cool. This type of weather is known as a humid subtropical climate.