Port Conway, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Port Conway, Virginia
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Birthplace of Madison, historic marker on U.S. 301
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 Port Conway, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Port Conway, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | King George |
| Elevation | 43 ft (13 m) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1499897 |
Port Conway is a small, historic community in Virginia, USA. It's located in King George County, right on the north side of the Rappahannock River. This area is part of what's known as the Northern Neck of Virginia. Across the river, you'll find Port Royal in Caroline County. Port Conway is an unincorporated community, meaning it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town.
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Discovering Port Conway, Virginia
Port Conway is a quiet place with a big history. It's known for its connection to important figures and events in American history. The community sits along the Rappahannock River, which has been a key waterway for centuries.
Birthplace of a President
One of the most famous people born in Port Conway is James Madison. He was the fourth President of the United States. James Madison was born here on March 16, 1751. His birthplace was a plantation called Belle Grove. This was the childhood home of his mother, Eleanor Rose "Nelly" Conway. The community of Port Conway was actually named after her father, Francis Conway, who owned Belle Grove.
A Place in History
Port Conway also played a small role in the dramatic events after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. On April 26, 1865, John Wilkes Booth, who had assassinated President Lincoln, and his friend David Herold were on the run. They crossed the Rappahannock River at Port Conway. Union cavalry soldiers were chasing them. The chase ended shortly after they crossed the river, at Garrett's Farm, south of Port Royal. There, Herold surrendered, and Booth was killed.
Historic Buildings and Sites
Several important places in Port Conway are recognized for their historical value. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes sites that are important to the history of the United States. Besides Belle Grove, these places are:
- Emmanuel Episcopal Church
- Millbank
- Woodlawn Historic and Archeological District
These sites help us remember the rich past of Port Conway and its role in American history.
