Pohick ChurchThis is the second installment on small historic churches in Northern Virginia. Our area gives residents and visitors alike the chance to find history around every corner. Most people can easily find the big attractions in both the history and tourist books but it is the little places that you don’t know about that can also be a fun stop on your exploration of the area.

This installment focuses on Pohick Church called by many historians as the “Mother Church of Northern Virginia.” When the Virginia General Assembly met in 1732 they established an area known as Truro Parish, and Pohick Church became the first Parish Church within the area. One of the first colonists to serve on the parish board was Augustine Washington the father of George Washington. As with other churches in the area the original church was small and as the area developed the church needed to be expanded on a grander scale.

In 1767 three famous Virginians, George Washington, George Mason and George William Fairfax supervised the construction of a new brick church on a hill which was the highest point in the area. The construction of the church was completed in 1774 just before the start of the Revolutionary War.

 

As with all of the churches at the end of the war the property which had been owned by the Church of England was turned over to the state. The congregation of the church changed after the war but the church survived and services continued.

As with so many historic churches in Northern Virginia the Civil War brought yet challenge and devastation to the property. The interior of the church was gutted with the pews being used for firewood and anything of value was stripped by soldiers. Fortunately the structure itself remained standing and in 1874 restoration of the interior began. The church now looks very similar to what it did when it was first built. The church houses a baptismal font that is believed to be from the twelfth century and is still used today.

 

Entrance to Cemetery at Pohich Church

 

The church is a beautiful place to visit and with four centuries of American History to its credit it you should put this on your must see list when as you explore Northern Virginia. The church is located at the corner of Colchester Road and Route 1 just east of Lorton, Virginia.

 

Information on other historic neighborhoods in Northern Virginia

 

Historic Marker at Pohick Church

 

 

©2007.  All rights reserved.  Cindy Jones
All original photos taken by Cindy Jones

 
This post has been included in Virginia Information Fairfax County, VA Information Lorton, VA Information
Post is included in group: VIRGINIA
Post is included in group: Things to Do/Places to Visit

16 Comments on Traveling Back in Time in Northern Virginia

DEC
10
2007
667,926 Points 72 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Cindy, this is a lovely series!  It could even get me to church.
10:06pm • #1
DEC
11
2007

Cindy, great info. I'm a history nut. I live here in the Ferry Farm area of Stafford County. This is the boyhood home of Geroge Washington. George's parents are burried in Fredericksburg across the street from the famous Carl's Ice Cream stand.

Fredericksburg has some nice old churches, too.

I'm looking forward to more your posts.

10:08pm • #2
DEC
12
2007
463,983 Points 41 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Pat-Don't get to crazy on me now!

Kenny-we have so much history in this area.  It is amazing what you find around every corner.  I'll have to check out some of the churches in Fredericksburg too!

10:15am • #3
397,364 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
How beautiful! Thanks for submitting it to the Things to Do/Places to Visit group. I'm going to Feature it in the group =)
9:23pm • #4
DEC
13
2007
204,433 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Cindy,  Such a beautiful church and the history behind it is intriguing.  I love the photos....how nice it would be to visit there some day,.

Jo 

8:22am • #5
139,149 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Cindy - You live in a truly beautiful are. I love the photos. Great post.
8:59am • #6
DEC
31
2007
385,297 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Cindy:  I used to live in Northern Virginia, and I enjoyed your post very much.  I looked at some of your other posts, and enjoyed them so much I subscribed to your blog, and entered you as an Associate.  Thanks so much for sharing with us. 

10:44pm • #7
JAN
01
2008
463,983 Points 41 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Karen-Thank you so much for stopping by and subscribing to my blog.  That is the ultimate compliment for me and a nice way to start 2008.  
6:59am • #8
385,297 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Hi again Cindy:  You are very welcome.  I enjoyed reading your post, and really liked the overall idea of it.  Very imaginative.  It appears to me that you put a good amount of effort into both your choice of subject matter, and into actually writing and producing your blog posts.  I could tell.  Thanks so much for sharing.  Have a Great New Year !
10:39am • #9
JAN
11
2008

I too am a History nut.  My father's mother's family is from Westmoreland County and my mother's mother's family is from Spartanburg, South Carolina. The history of the families are so cool.  I have truly enjoyed reading your post and I am looking forward to future ones.  Thank you for taking the time to share.

Your neighbor in King George

11:20pm • #10
JAN
12
2008
463,983 Points 41 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Vangie-Thanks so much for stopping by.  I've done quite a few "drive-by" tours so hope you will catch up with a few more of them.  Family history is indeed interesting.  My uncle on my mom's side did an extensive searches on the family history and it was amazing what he found.  You have plenty of history in your area too.  
8:36am • #11
JAN
15
2008
397,364 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Hi Cindy. I just wanted to let you know, I posted a blog yesterday, about the Things to Do/Places to Visit group and I gave you a mention and a link back to this post. =)
8:15pm • #12
JAN
29
2008

Cindy, his was really interesting history... the area is beautiful... do you have a map of these maps and other historic places

11:52am • #13
FEB
28
2008
347,296 Points 30 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dear Cindy,

Please join us and post this blog on our board!  TravelingRainers is a brand new group focused on travel.

I look forward to seeing you there!

1:04am • #14
SEP
25
2008

Cindy-

Great post, as a history major in school I love all the history we have here in Virginia.

6:10pm • #16

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Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Woodbridge, VA

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