Tappahannock Historic District

Tappahannock Historic District is a neighborhood with historical buildings along the Rappahannock River, mainly featuring architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. The structures sit on roughly 25 acres and form the core of this once-important port town.

The place was founded in the mid-17th century as Hobb's Hole and developed into a trading station. During the 1800s the town experienced major shifts and was later added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The name comes from the Powhatan language and refers to the river location. Today visitors can see how the original street layout reflects life in an early American port town.

Most buildings are private residences but their exteriors and architecture can be viewed from public streets. Walking through the district on foot helps you notice the details of the facades and how the historical structures are arranged.

The district preserves a well-maintained 18th-century debtors' prison, a rare remnant from that era. This building shows an unusual piece of American legal history that survives in few places.

Location: Tappahannock

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.92750,-76.85860

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02