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New Kent County Area Attractions

New Kent County is a gateway to history. Less than 30 minutes away are Jamestown, the site of America's first English-speaking settlement established in 1607, and Colonial Williamsburg, one of America's favorite tourist destinations. From the James River, it's a short drive to the York River and Yorktown where Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington, ending the Revolutionary War.

item4 St. Peter's Church "First Church of the First First-Lady"

Located in New Kent County, St. Peter's Parish was established on April 29, 1679. In the summer of 1700 the vestry ordered that a second Lower Church replace an earlier, structurally weak building known as the Broken Back'd Church. Construction of the new church, begun in 1701, and was in use by July 1703.

On the sixth of January 1759 the Rector of St. Peter's Parish, the Reverend Mr. David Mossom, solemnized the marriage of Col. George Washington and Martha Dandridge Curtis. It has always been assumed that another future First-Lady, Letitia Christian, later the wife of President John Tyler, was baptized in the parish church in 1790.

The original portion of St. Peter's Parish Church is one of the few Jacobean structures in America and its 1740 stump tower is also rare. The body of the church is laid in English bond as are only three other colonial Virginia churches. In the churchyard are a number of colonial tombs. Arrangements for private tours or large groups must be scheduled in advance.

item6 New Kent Vineyards Winery (Opening Late April 2008)

The New Kent Vineyards Winery currently has a 21.5 acre vineyard with a goal of 40 planted acres. Between 3,500 and 4,000 cases of wine are expected to be produced in 2007 with a goal of 20,000 sometime in the future.

For now, the $4 million 12,000-square-foot winery, designed by Williamsburg architect John Hopke, is the centerpiece of the New Kent Vineyards.

Grand opening of the winery is expected late April 2008; public tours are not yet available.

Nearby Plantations

Nearby in neighboring Charles City County are two of the nation’s earliest and most beautiful plantations that are open to the public year-around.

Visit Berkeley Plantation, one of Virginia's most historic plantations boasting true southern hospitality and style. Come discover, learn, imagine and enjoy.

Shirley Plantation is Virginia's first plantation (1613) and one of the first economic engines of the new world.