Title:
Mainland Farm, James City County

Writer:
(none)

Publication, Date, Section/page:
Preservation Alliance Update, May/June 2000,

Dateline:
(none)

Mainland Farm is the largest tract of undeveloped property remaining from the original 3,000-acre Governor’s Land Charter of 1618. Historically known as “The Main,” its lands stretched from Jamestown Island to the Chickahominy River, and were cultivated by those early settlers who moved off the island. What remains of Mainland Farm today is a 215-acre tract of land-still cultivated-lying midway between Jamestown Island and Green Spring Plantation. The farm represents the most significant undeveloped property remaining in the Governor’s Land Archaeological District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The soil of Mainland Farm has the potential to greatly expand our knowledge of Colonial Virginia. Greensprings Road, which runs alongside Mainland Farm, is believed to be one of the oldest roads in British America. Much of the turmoil surrounding Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 took place on land bordering today’s 215 acres. Lord Cornwallis and his troops camped on “The Main,” and on July 6, 1781 engaged an American unit of 800 men commanded by the Marquis de Lafayette and General Anthony Wayne.

Now situated in the midst of 20th-century housing developments, Mainland Farm stands as a prominent reminder of America’s strong agricultural traditions. The farm’s role is documented in the land-use study First Farm - Last Farm, a report by the College of William and Mary’s Center for Archaeological Research.

In 1997 the Williamsburg Land Conservancy and James City County entered into an agreement to acquire Mainland Farm. The county agreed to purchase the $2.2 million property with the intent of “holding” it for the Conservancy’s eventual purchase in 2005. Given its location, Mainland Farm’s preservation would create an almost unbroken four-mile corridor of protected historic properties. Until the Conservancy can raise the funds to purchase the property from the County, its fate remains threatened.

Plans are already in place for a Capital-to-Capital Bikeway (from Richmond to Williamsburg), which will run along the southwest edge of the farm. Opposite the farm lies a scenic beaver pond that will be at the center of a five-mile hiking/biking trail. This trail and Mainland Farm both lie in Jamestown High School’s “backyard,” providing an easily accessible outdoor classroom for the natural sciences.