From The Archives

The Gressitt House

The Gressitt House is located in the historic district of Urbanna, Virginia where colonial commerce revolved around tobacco trade. Prominently perched above Virginia Street, the home is near the Old Tobacco Warehouse and within walking distance of Urbanna Creek.

While the date of construction of the original dwelling has not been established, architectural historians have referenced anecdotal evidence from wills and deeds to suggest The Gressitt House was built during the period of 1740-1750. "The home is listed as an eighteenth century dwelling in the Historic American Buildings Survey, filed at the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission". (Historic Buildings in Middlesex County Virginia 1650-1875 - Gray, Ryland and Simmons). The National Register of Historic Places suggests The Gressitt House is an early nineteenth century dwelling.

The architectural style of The Gressitt House presents a gracious one-and-one-half storied colonial period house with gambrel roof, exterior end brick chimneys and basement. A two-storied addition built in the 1880s expands the living space. The Gressitt House enjoys a splendid four-bay frame porch with Ionic columns. The porch extends across the front of the house where it is graced by an ancient magnolia and gentle breezes off the creek down yonder. The house is thought to have been the home of the Urbanna Harbormaster in colonial days, and interestingly, the point of departure for William Clark who spent a night here on his way to join Meriwether Lewis in the expedition to the northwest Territories.

Today, the home offers three bedrooms, one-and-one-half baths, living room, den and gathering room with dining area and kitchen. The original portion of the house has curved walls, nine-over-nine windows, brick hearths, and some original wood floors. The property is served by town water and sewer.

The Urbanna Town Marina at Upton's Point is within convenient walking distance of The Gressitt House and offers boat slip rentals, picnic area and kayak area. Locally owned establishments such as restaurants, shops and services enhance Urbanna, a quaint and vibrant waterfront community.