Morattico, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Morattico, Virginia
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Post office in the historic district
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 Morattico, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Morattico, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Lancaster |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
22523
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Morattico is a small, historic community located in Lancaster County, Virginia, in the United States. It's not a city or town with its own government, but rather an unincorporated area. Morattico sits right along the Rappahannock River, a major waterway in Virginia.
This area has a rich past, especially connected to Native American tribes. The name "Morattico" comes from "Moraughtacund," which was the name of a Native American tribe. Their main village might have been located right where Morattico is today. It's also located across Mulberry Creek from Belle Isle State Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities.
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Exploring Morattico's Past
Morattico has a long and interesting history, starting with its Native American roots and continuing through colonial times.
Early Native American History
The Moraughtacund tribe lived in this area for many years. In 1608, a famous explorer named Captain John Smith visited their village. He even helped settle a disagreement between the Moraughtacunds and their neighbors, the Rappahannock tribe. By 1650, the Moraughtacund tribe had moved further west.
The Morattico Plantation Era
In 1706, a man named Joseph Ball I officially took ownership of the land. He had bought it a few years earlier, in 1698. Joseph Ball I started building a large farm called Morattico Plantation.
When Joseph Ball I passed away in 1711, his son, Joseph Ball II, inherited the plantation. However, Joseph Ball II lived mostly in England, so his nephew, Joseph Chinn, managed the plantation for him. After Joseph Ball II died in 1760, his daughter, Frances Ravenscroft Ball Downman, became the owner. Later, her son, Joseph Ball Downman, took over the plantation after her death in 1782.
Changes in Ownership and Division
The plantation continued to be passed down through the family. In 1799, James W.P Downman inherited it after his father, Joseph Ball Downman, died. Sadly, James W.P Downman died young in 1834 without any children or a will.
Because of this, in 1835, his brothers and sisters asked for the Morattico Plantation to be divided into eight equal parts. Their request was approved, and the large plantation was split up.
The Plantation's Final Years
Between 1835 and 1845, George William Downman and Sarah Downman bought most of the divided plantation pieces. When George William Downman died, his share went to his sister, Sarah Downman. After Sarah died in 1849, her nephew, Littleton Downman Mitchell, inherited the property. Around 1850, the original main house of the plantation was taken apart by Downman himself.
Later, from 1864 to 1868, Downman lost ownership of the land, and his creditors (people he owed money to) bought the plantation. In 1933, a big storm called the Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane hit the area. It was said to have flooded the first floor of almost all buildings in Morattico, except for the Morattico Plantation house. However, in 1935, a person named L.C Thrift took down the remaining plantation buildings. He used some of the materials to build a two-story farmhouse.
In 2011, the Village of Morattico Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Important Places in Morattico
Morattico has several interesting landmarks, from historical buildings to natural waterways.
Historical Buildings to See
- Morattico Waterfront Museum: This museum tells the story of Morattico's past. It's built on the spot where the original Morattico Wharf used to be. The wharf was a busy dock that operated from 1889 to 1933.
- Norwood Church: This church was first started in 1893, and the building you see today was built in 1897. It's a Baptist church with its own cemetery and is located just east of the main village area.
Bodies of Water in the Area
- Mulberry Creek: This is a tidal stream that is about 2.5 miles long. It flows into the Rappahannock River about 26 miles before the river reaches the ocean.
- Morattico Creek: This creek is also located in the community. Its name might have come from the second Morattico Indian Reservation.
- Frog Pond: This is a swampy area located west of Mulberry Creek Road. A well that provided water to many residents from the 1700s to the mid-1900s was located nearby.
Other Notable Spots
- Carpenter's Landing: This area was used as a place to launch boats in the early 1800s and early 1900s. It's located between the mouths of Mulberry Creek and Raccoon Cove.
- Raccoon Cove: This is a small bay or inlet located on the north side of Mulberry Creek.
