Swann's Point Plantation

Swann's Point Plantation is an excavated colonial site in Surry County, Virginia, located along the James River. Archaeological work has exposed two brick foundations measuring approximately 60 feet by 20 feet, along with numerous colonial artifacts scattered across the area.

William Swann received a land patent in 1635 for approximately 485 hectares and established the plantation at this river location. The property expanded to about 665 hectares under his son Thomas Swann and remained a significant landholding across several generations.

The burial ground displays a marked grave of Thomas Swann with his coat of arms, reflecting how prominent colonial families marked their social position in early Virginia. These visible symbols of wealth and status reveal the hierarchy that shaped community life along the river.

The site sits on a riverbank location and visitors should note the water edge for safe navigation and awareness of ground conditions. Taking time to examine the exposed foundations and scattered artifacts against the landscape provides better insight into how the plantation was organized spatially.

In 1677, the property served as a meeting place for royal commissioners investigating Bacon's Rebellion. This riverside location had become prominent enough to host official fact-finding missions at a pivotal moment in colonial Virginia's history.

Location: Surry County

GPS coordinates: 37.19709,-76.81913

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:45