Isle of Wight County Museum Smithfield, Virginia USA
Smithfield, Virginia USA
  • Home
  • Visit Us
  • Calendar of Events
  • Online Exhibits
    • Behind These Walls
    • Everything But the Squeal
    • The African-American Experience in Isle of Wight County
    • LIVE at 12:05
    • 40th Anniversary
    • Isle of Wight County in World Wars I and II
  • Find Yourself(ie) at a Hamside Attraction
  • Pan Ham Photo Contest
  • Local Treasures
  • Hammy Birthday 2022
  • Support Us
    • Volunteers
    • Donations
    • Gift Shop
  • Museum Fun
  • Educational Programs & Lectures
  • Genealogy
  • Local Historic Sites
    • Windsor Castle
    • Fort Boykin
    • Fort Huger
    • Nike Park
    • Boykin's Tavern
    • Ivy Hill Cemetery

WINDSOR CASTLE

HISTORY
The former Arthur Smith plantation is now part of a 208-acre public park overlooking the Pagan River in the town of Smithfield. 

Originally, this area was occupied by the Warraskoyack Indians. On September 10, 1637, Arthur Smith I patented 1,450 acres of land in Isle of Wight County, formerly known as Warraskoyack Shire. The property was described as “a neck of land running S.E. along a creek behind Pagan Shore.”

Based on archaeological evidence and the style of brickwork, it is believed that the current house was begun by 1725. Archaeological evidence also suggests that slave quarters were located in the area between Cypress Creek and the house because colonoware, pottery made by Native Americans and used by enslaved people, was found in that general location. Other artifacts found on site include prehistoric lithic flakes, handwrought iron nails, animal bones, 18th century stemware fragments and ceramics.

Currently, Windsor Castle is a one and a half story, gable-roofed, stuccoed masonry dwelling with twin semi-exterior end chimneys on each gable end. It is an excellent example of a colonial Virginia farm dwelling later remodeled with Greek Revival features. The surrounding park features hiking trails, a dog park, a mountain bike trail, a fishing pier and a canoe launch.

2023 Guided Tours

2 p.m.
February 5
March 5
April 2
May 7
June 4
October 1
November 5

SPECIAL EVENT
Noon-2 p.m. SUNDAY, AUGUST 6
Lunch with the Smiths: The History of Cemetery Picnics & Similar Practices  


Other tours by appointment for groups by calling 757-356-1223.
Windsor Castle History with Isle of Wight County Museum Curator Tracey Neikirk
Picture
1935 photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston

​Location

301 Jericho Road
Smithfield, VA 23430

Website
www.windsorcastlepark.com

Contact Information
(757) 365-4200
757-542-3109
smithfieldcenter@ymail.com
Proudly powered by Weebly