James City’s Doncastle’s Ordinary site, vital Rev history, needs saving

A historic site in western James City County, Doncastle’s Ordinary, is returning to prominence ahead of the 250th anniversary of a 1775 Revolutionary event. Only underground foundations remain of the ordinary, a tavern that played a key role after British Governor Dunmore stole gunpowder from Williamsburg in April 1775. Located near Route 30, the ordinary was a rendezvous point for Patrick Henry’s militia in May 1775 who sought the powder’s return or compensation. Henry accepted payment for the gunpowder and signed a receipt at Doncastle’s Ordinary on May 4, 1775. Historian Martha W. McCartney advocates for the site’s preservation and National Register listing, citing its Revolutionary War activities and intact archaeological features. McCartney expressed concern that the property, which includes the ordinary site, has been for sale and could face development. Later known as Byrd’s Tavern, the location was mentioned in accounts of armies marching during the 1781 Yorktown campaign. The tavern building burned before 1863, and its foundations were located in 1938.