Cessford
Also known as: VDHR Number 214-0001
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Why it's listed
Cessford is a brick Federal-style house on five acres at the edge of Eastville, on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Built around 1801 and purchased by Dr. John Kerr about 1832, it has five bays laid in Flemish bond, a slate roof with five pedimented dormers, pedimented porches on the north and south, and a wide central hall with a stair rising to the third floor. A two-story brick kitchen wing was added on the west at an undetermined date. A smokehouse, a quarter kitchen, a utility building and traces of a historic garden remain nearby. The property is recognized for its architecture, which keeps original mantels, doorframes, window frames and heart pine floors. It is also noted for its Civil War history. In July 1862, Union Brigadier General Henry H. Lockwood took the house as his headquarters while Union forces occupied the Eastern Shore. During that occupation he posted a notice freeing the Kerr family's enslaved workers. George Kerr returned in 1865 and rebuilt his livelihood.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues Cessford is significant under Criterion A for its Civil War role as the 1862-1865 headquarters of Union Brigadier General Henry H. Lockwood, and for the freeing of the Kerr family's enslaved workers there. Under Criterion C it is significant as a well-preserved Federal house of the affluent planter class, retaining original mantels, window and door frames and floors.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 03001441, listed January 16, 2004. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 16546 Courthouse Rd., Eastville |
|---|---|
| County | Northampton County |
| Listed | January 16, 2004 |
| Reference number | 03001441 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1801-1892 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Criteria |
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| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History, Landscape Architecture, Military |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still a private single-dwelling residence; the outbuildings are described as needing repairs, and the house retains most original fabric despite modern updates. |
| Acreage | 5 |
| Coordinates | 37.34989, -75.94805 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 03001441.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14691897
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.