Powhatan County, Viriginia—Has The Charm You Desire
and The Amenities You Expect

Powhatan is one of the oldest counties in the nation, dating to 1700 when King William of England gave 10,000 acres of land to the Huguenots. Greywalls is a part of the historic Huguenot Trail, which includes more than a dozen historic homes, churches, and other points of interest linked to the founding and early development of Powhatan. A complete guide to the Hugeonot Trail is available at the gatehouse.

Greywalls takes pride in being a part of the history of Huguenot Trail. On April 14, 1865, on his way to Richmond following the surrender at Appomattox, General Robert E. Lee, not wanting to put his brother out, pitched his tent for the last time on this property. Windsor, located across from this site, remained in the Lee family until sold by his granddaughter in 1943.

In 1700 King William of England gave 10,000 acres to the Huguenots, Protestant French Refugees escaping the tyranny of Louis XIV in France. This eleven-and-a-half-mile long parcel of land, formerly occupied by the Monacan Indians, wound in serpentine fashion along the southern bank of the James River and varied in width from one to three miles. It became known as Manakintowne. The French Huguenots who settled here left an enduring mark on the Commonwealth of Virginia. Huguenot Trail is the path on which these men, women and children settled. Today we can see enjoy the peacefulness of the travel as we drive this impressive route.

Powhatan has a rich history of great homes located along its historic and scenic Huguenot Trail. From the once plantation of Bellegrade on the east, to the newest gated community of Greywalls on the west, you will find many great homes and buildings with historic significance along the way. Some of these date back to the early 1700's when the area was first settled by the French Huguenots.

Some of these homes were owned or visited by such notables as Patrick Henry and General Robert E. Lee. Most of the homes have been restored over the years to unparalleled condition, and have received prestigious awards.

Situated along the Historic Huguenot Trail, this is one of several buildings that served at one time as a church for the Huguenots. Much of the material used in its construction came from an earlier church. In 1954, with help from the Huguenot Society, the fifth Manakin Church, being used today, was built.

Built in 1844 with bricks made on the site, this St. Luke's church is much the same as it was 150 years ago. St. Luke's is on the National Register of Historic Places. Recently, a local craftsman carefully restored a rare stained glass window to its original condition.