Romancoke, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Romancoke, Virginia
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 Romancoke, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Romancoke, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | King William |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Romancoke is a small place in King William County, Virginia, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it is a group of homes and businesses that are not part of an official town or city. Instead, it is governed by the county.
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History of Romancoke
Romancoke has a long and interesting history, especially because of its connection to important families in Virginia.
Early Days of Romancoke
The area where Romancoke is located was first developed in the 1600s. A man named William Claiborne started a large farm there, which was called a plantation. After William Claiborne, his sons, William Claiborne Jr. and then Thomas Claiborne, took over the plantation.
The Lee Family Connection
Later, in the early 1800s, Romancoke Plantation became part of the family of George Washington Parke Custis. He was the father of Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee. She was the wife of the famous Civil War general, Robert E. Lee.
George Washington Parke Custis owned several large plantations, including Romancoke. When he passed away in 1857, his will (a legal document about his wishes) said that about 200 enslaved people should be set free within five years. General Robert E. Lee was put in charge of making sure this happened.
Romancoke During the Civil War
The American Civil War began in 1861, and the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863. These events changed many things. Even with the war, General Lee made sure that the enslaved people were freed by December 1862, following the will.
After the war, General Lee's second son, William Henry Fitzhugh Lee, who was often called Rooney Lee, managed Romancoke. He also managed another plantation nearby called White House. Later, General Lee's youngest son, Robert E. Lee, Jr., inherited Romancoke. He moved there and lived about four miles from West Point.
Romancoke remains a quiet community today, holding many stories from its past.
