Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

Encroachments

Since, the "bounds" of the Capitol were established by law in 1704 (See Plan of Prison Bounds - Plan A) many encroachments inside these limits have occurred, all of them but one subsequent to 1782. That one, as established by the Frenchman's Map, includes the group of buildings in the extreme North East corner now known as the Coke-Garrett House. How and why this particular encroachment occurred would be an interesting subject for further study but hardly of immediate concern to us as it would by hard to find anyone advocating the removal of an 18th Century house in order to restore the Capitol grounds to an only slightly earlier period.

The encroachment by the Vest property on the west is a more debatable subject for this was a 19th Century trespass. But here the encroachment is very slight and the house itself in its present state is such a fine architectural example that again few advocates are likely to appear in favor of the removal of one third of its bulk in order to restore it to its 18th Century condition.

All other 19th and 20th Century private property encroachments except two have already been eliminated so they need not concern us here. These two are the modern dwelling attached to the Clerk's Office and the unowned property within the extreme north west corner of the Capitol bounds. The first of these presents no problem for it is a life tenancy and will ultimately be removed. The second is not at present serious for there are no buildings on that part of the property within the Bounds. It contains, however, the site of the Prison spring, traces of which have been found by excavation. Its ultimate acquisition would therefore be desirable.

The most serious encroachment of all is that by the City of Williamsburg, namely that portion of Nicholson Street which detours around the Prison within the lines of the Capitol Grounds.

It is clearly evident that in the 18th Century, the junction of Nicholson Street across the Capitol Grounds was neither carried out nor even considered.

First - The prison was built on the centre line of this street. The modern serpentine road, to avoid the prison, would never have been considered by the 18th Century city planner who had adhered universally elsewhere in the City to rectilinear lines. An addition to the Prison made in 1772, the foundation of which has been uncovered, projected 31'0" into the present road, showing conclusively that this road could not have existed at that time. Second - the Frenchman's map shows two gullies across the line of this street. If there had been a traveled way there the gullies would have been shown interrupted like the North South gully interrupted by the Duke of Gloucester Street. (Note this gully used to run clear across the street as far as the Galt property. See study of original topography, Plan B) Third - These gullies are too deep in their natural state to have been negotiable by wheeled vehicles.

Apparently, however, the extreme easterly end of Nicholson Street in front of the Coke-Garrett House to its junction with Waller Street was established about the middle of the 18th Century. This is clearly indicated by evidence submitted by the Research Department (Copy attached).

In advocating the closing of Nicholson Street within the limits of the old Capitol Bounds we are fully aware of the difficulties which the closing of a modern traffic artery (although a minor one) would create. Abutters on this street whose property is not controlled by the Restoration would have a grievance.

It is possible that the closing of Nicholson Street as a though way might tend to throw more traffic on to the Duke of Gloucester Street. This would be a most undesirable result but might be overcome perhaps by the construction of a new road from the dead end of Nicholson Street running north to join Lafayette Street. (See dotted lines on Plan C)

In spite of the very real difficulties we nevertheless feel that this aspect of the Restoration of the Capitol Grounds is of sufficient importance to warrant the most careful consideration by all concerned. To restore the contour of the ground comes only next in importance to the restoration of the building themselves.

Parking Space

There seem to be six available locations for a permanent parking space near the Capitol; five on Waller Street, A - B - C1 - C2 - D, and one on Francis Street, E. (See Plan C)

All of these locations were sites of Colonial buildings. Site B however seems to have had but one small outbuilding as indicated by the Frenchman's Map. Site A is somewhat remote and its use as a parking space would injure the setting of the Garrett House. Sites C1 and C2 had several Colonial buildings on each one so that their use as a permanent parking space could prevent ultimate restoration. Site D was an important colonial residence and its commanding corner location would make its use as a parking space highly undesirable. Site E had colonial buildings and is somewhat remote. Site B seems to offer the best ultimate location for a permanent parking space near the Capitol. It is readily accessible from Francis Street and Lafayette Street via Waller Street. There are no important Colonial buildings on its site and it can be easily and naturally screened from view by planting. Objection to this site for immediate use lies in the fact that it is subject to a life tenure that may not make it available for many years. Meanwhile an alternate site for present use is now available on Francis Street near the south end of Blair Street. (Site E)

Restored Grounds

Plan C shows the Capitol Grounds as they might ultimately appear, with restored topography north of the Capitol and with suitable paths leading to the Clerk's office, Prison, Parking Space, etc.

In colonial days the comparatively level space south of the Capitol and east of it leading into the east extension of the Duke of Gloucester Street was probably used for the passage of coaches and for the hitching of saddle horses and a general loafing space for slaves in attendance on the members of the General Court and the House of Burgesses when in session. It is probably unkempt with ragged grass patches and either dusty or deep with mud according to the season, and with no well defined traveled way.

To attempt to recall the use of this space by permitting the uncontrolled passage of modern vehicles would be to invite a condition even worse than that tolerated in the 18th Century.

It seems desirable however that a controlled passage for vehicles around the Capitol be established to recall in some degree at least the convenience of free travel that must have existed. To this end we suggest an informal gravel road as shown on Plan C.

Surroundings

The restoration of the colonial buildings on Francis and Waller Streets when and as policy permits will complete the restoration of this important area.

• A.Evidence in favor of an open Nicholson Street throughout its present length:
  • 1.The Bucktrout Map of 1803
  • 2.The Unknown Draftsman's Map
  • 3.Isaac Weld, Jr. in his Travels Through the States of North America...1795-97 describe the streets of Williamsburg as follows, "The town consists of one principal street, and two others which run parallel to it."
• B.Evidence that Nicholson Street extended up to the Public Gaol, both from the West and from the East.
  • 1.

    Lots 802, 274, 275 and 276 in a deed of 1760 were described as being "on the north side of Nicholson Street" (York Co. Records Book 6, Deeds, pp. 400-402)

    In 1775, John Coke received by deed lots 279 and 280 which property was described as "All those lots of half acres of land lying and being in the City of Williamsburg aforesaid on the North side of Nicholson Street bounded on the East by the lots^* of the said John Coke and on the West by the lots whereon the Public Gaol is erected..." (York Co. Records Book 6, p. 15)

  • 2.A plat made in 1749 of Williamsburg property east of the Capitol shows that Nicholson Street was open south of John Coke's two lots. The plat does not show Nicholson Street farther west than the two lots. (York Co. Records, Book V, Deeds, Plat Book #3)
• C.Evidence in favor of Nicholson Street obstructed by the Gaol.
  • 1.The Frenchman's Map (c1782) shows a ravine and the Gaol athwart the street.
    • a.A deed of 1801 to Lot #262 reads as follows: "A certain house and lot of land lying and being in the city of Williamsburg and County of York, on the North side of the street running from Palace Street to the Jail..." (York Co. Records, Book 7, p. 405)

BOUNDS OF THE CAPITOL AND PRISON