Turkey Island Farm / Turkey Island Plantation

 place with historical importance  Add category

Turkey Island got it's name in 1607 when a group of explorers sailed up the James and found on an island with a great number of turkey and other fowl. 1630's the original tract of 1,000 acres was owned by Robert and Anne Hallam. By 1670's a large portion was owned by Capt. James Crewes who was hanged for his involvement in Bacon's Rebellion. 1680 William Randolph began acquiring land at Turkey Island. By 1705 he had acquired all of the original tract. 1793 Bowler Cocke bought the property from the estate of Richard Randolph II of Curles .1814 George E. Pickett, grandfather of Gen. George Pickett. purchased the entire 1,000 acre of Turkey Island and mansion from Bowler Cocke for $21,000. Upon his death the farm went to Robert Pickett, father of Gen. Pickett. Shelling from Union gunboats destroyed the mansion and out buildings. Turkey Island cottage is where Gen. Pickett lived after the war was built about 1869.
1908 the Alexander's house was built on the site of Major Charles Pickett's cottage. This area was to the east of the portion of Turkey Island owned by General George Pickett.
Graves at Turkey Island. Col. William Randolph & Mary Randolph, Elizabeth daughter of William. Elizabeth, wife of William Randolph II.William Randolph, eldest son of Col. William Randolph. Col. Isham Randolph of Dungness, 3rd son of William and wife Mary.