Would like information on the location of Varina "Plantation" and "Neck
> 'o the Land Plantation". These properties were owned by William Hatcher
> and his sons in the 1600s. Am planning a trip to the area and any advice
> as to the locations of where these properties were will be greatly
appreciated.
> Thanks.
The following excerpt is from the book VIRGINIA LANDMARKS REGISTER, p.202.
VARINA PLANTATION.
"Varina plantation is part of the ancient Varina Neck, just east of Henrico
Island.
Settled during the second decade of the 17th century, Varina Neck was the
site of the glebe of Henrico Parish, established before 1640.
The first Henrico County Courthouse was built next to the glebe before 1666.
In 1680 Varina was one of twenty sites in the colony selected for
development as a port town. A tavern was built there during the 1680's, and
a ferry traversed the river on Sundays, court days, and other public
holidays.
The Reverend James Blair, who later became the first rector of the College
of William and Mary, made his home at the Henrico or Varina Glebe between
1685 and 1694 when he was rector of Varina Parish.
During the 1720's Thomas Randolph of Tuchahoe purchased land at Varina
(from the Farrar family of Farrar's Island in Varina), and his son and
successor, Thomas Mann Randolph, developed Varina into a prosperous working
plantation.
In 1828 Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., sold Varina Plantation to Pleasant Aiken
of Petrsburg, whose son and heir, Albert M. Aiken, built the present Varina
plantation house, a relatively late expression of the Classical Revival,
just before the Civil War. Aiken's Landing became one of two major points in
the South where Union and COnfederate prisoners of war could be exchanged.
In the mind-19th centruy a romantic legend arose linking Varina Neck with
John Rolfe and Pocahantas, a tale which lingers to this day."
Deane Ferguson Mills
York County, VA