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Tompkins Cottage
The
Tompkins Cottage, museum
and headquarters of the Mathews County Historical Society, is believed
to be the oldest
frame structure in the Courthouse area. The Cottage, located
on Brickbat Road, houses an
historical exhibit on the County and three rooms furnished in the style
of a typical small
dwelling of the 1800's.
The earliest known
owner of this
ca 1815 building near the head of Put In Creek was Christopher
Tompkins, a prominent local planter, merchant, sea captain, and ship
owner/builder. His insurance
correspondence notes that it was used in his mercantile business
for the sale of dry goods, hardware and groceries. Tompkins was also
the father of Capt. Sally Tompkins, the first woman to be commissioned
an officer in the Confederate Army. The little
bedroom is dedicated to her memory.
Over
the years,
the building has served as a tailor shop, cobbler
shop, tearoom and residence. It was bought by the County in 1964 and
has been leased to the Historical Society
since 1969.
The
Tompkins
Cottage is open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m and Saturdays from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m., April
through October, as well as, by appointment. The Cottage has extended
hours during special events in the County. (Virtual Tour)
Cottage Shop
The
Tompkins
Cottage Shop has books, publications, posters, and other items relating
to the history of Mathews and the Chesapeake Bay.
© 2011
MATHEWS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
