If you are looking for a walking tour around one of the most historic towns in all of America, let alone Virginia, Port Royal is your town. Once considered as a possibility for our Nation’s capital, Port Royal sits on the banks of the Rappahannock River and consists primarily of 18th century structures that remain as they were 200 years ago including a home that was a tavern visited by George Washington on several occasions. There is also the remains of Dorothy Roy’s estate, the Roy Chimney’s. Dorothy was the only woman in the colony allowed to operate a tobacco warehouse and who is responsible for the construction of the road which is now Rt. 301. Also available on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or by prearranged appointment is the Port Royal Museum of American History and the old Port Royal School as well as several other museums that feature portraits of many historical residents and medicine. Be sure to include the Port Royal Harbor, which is found at the end of Kings Street. Here ships sailed carrying tobacco and other wares and ferries transported passengers across the river. Today, the river is a great place to fish from the newly constructed fishing pier or from the pier, you can launch your kayak or canoe and take part in one of the 3 Water Trails. Nothing says history better than antique shops and Port Royal has some of the best. Make one of these a “must do” on your trip. While in town, be sure to visit one of the restaurants including Blue Bar Bakery, Horne’s, etc. for a great bite to eat. From Port Royal you can continue your drive in Caroline County in several different directions. You can choose to turn onto North Rt. 17 at the crossroad with Rt. 301. From here you could turn off onto Rt. 615 in approximately 7 miles to the Pettigrew Wildlife Management Area which offers a variety of activities such as hunting, camping, hiking, etc. or continue a few more miles and visit Snead’s Farm where you can pick your own veggies and fruit during season. At the crossroads with Rt. 2 you can make you way to historic Bowling Green or from Port Royal you can continue along Rt. 301 South just 12.5 miles to the county seat of Bowling Green. As you leave town, heading south on Rt. 301, 2 miles towards Bowling Green, you will find the marker for the Garrett Farm where John Wilkes Booth was shot and killed just 12 days after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
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Last Updated: 08/21/2020
