Turkey Island
Soon after landing at Jamestown in May 1607. Captain Christopher Newport, while exploring the James River discovered Turkey Island (two miles south). He named it for the large number of wild turkeys there. In 1684, William Randolph purchased Turkey Island; it then became the seat of the Randolph family. His descendants included Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and Robert E. Lee. Robert Pickett acquired Turkey Island in 1836. During the Civil War, the large family dwelling was burned by Union troops. Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett and his family lived there in a small cottage after the war.
Marker is at the intersection of New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) and Curles Neck Road, on the right when traveling east on New Market Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
