About Us

The Warwick County Historical Society

The Warwick County Historical Society was organized to further discover and memorialize the history and peoples of old Warwick County, Virginia, a bygone original shire of the English Crown dating 309 years. So much loss has been bourn upon old Warwick County Virginia including the destruction of its precious court records and eventually, its own existence.

We're here to preserve the fading treasure of what was Warwick County Virginia - one of the earliest settlements of Colonial Virginia. Our most sincere praise and gratitude goes out to everyone who came before us in their historical endeavors and the fine work accomplished by FEHAA members over the years.

Born on Mulberry Island

Our society was born on Mulberry Island as the Fort Eustis Historical and Archaeological Association in April '65. FEHAA (fee-haw) evolved over time, at first it was sanctioned by the post commander and had a military command - after several years was a civilian run group. FEHAA swelled beyond the confines of its title with its interest in the entirety of Warwick County (of which Mulberry Island was a part). In November of 2010, the name was retired and incorporated into the wider Warwick County Historical Society which encompasses all of Fort Eustis (the ancient Mulberry Island).

The Warwick County Historical Society has an office and a small museum space in the 1810 Warwick Courthouse. The society is still building, expanding and actively seeking new members and supporters. Our areas of interest include all of old Warwick County and locations such as Mulberry Island, Morrison, Denbigh, Lee Hall, Blunt Point, Warwicktown and the modern City of Newport News, VA.

WCHS Mission Statement

The Warwick County Historical Society has among its objectives:

To discover and document the history, genealogy and architecture of old Warwick County, Virginia.
To study and record the history of Warwick County, including the publication of a periodical and other appropriate works.
To acquire and maintain records, maps, documents, journals and artifacts to assure their preservation and accessibility to the public.
To offer assistance, hold meetings, activities and instruction and provide information to residents, WCHS members and others in matters relating to the local history of Warwick and the city of Newport News.
To cooperate with other organizations and institutions having similar interests.
To educate present and future generations concerning the cultural, economic, social, political and technical development of old Warwick County.

Contact the WCHS

Old Warwick County Virginia

309 Years of Independence

Warwick County, with its seat at Warwicktown and later Denbigh, played a role in the dramatic story of America’s founding. Through hard times and plenty, the County endured for three centuries. It was witness to turbulence and triumph in the growth of a young Virginia.

Warwick County was…

settled in Colonial times;
celebrated the founding of America;
was devastated by Civil War and the loss of its ancient court records;
transformed by railroad tycoons and shipbuilding giants;
suffered the loss of 8,000-acre Mulberry Island to the US Army for Camp Eustis;
the county's borders were altered by a series of annexations from the insatiable urban growth to its south, the burgeoning City of Newport News.
Warwick rallied briefly as the City of Warwick (1952-1958) only to capitulate to the contemporary pressures of modernity and commerce, and the practical forces of economy and Consolidation.
Warwick County’s story continues proudly today as the City of Newport News, Virginia.