The Thoroughgood House has been a feature in my life since I first moved to Virginia Beach. It sits on a portion of the 5,350 acre 1635 land grant to Adam Thoroughgood along the Lynnhaven River.
Nestled in the back of the Thoroughgood neighborhood, the lure of its colonial history has drawn visitors for many years. It's also a central point for activities in the neighborhood.
During my son's elementary days, field trips to the house were greatly anticipated. This time, before its acquisition by the City of Virginia Beach, provided a wonderful interpretation. One downstairs side of the house was 17th century with the other side 18th century. It was beautiful. I mourn the loss of the period pieces and wonder what the city did with the treasures.
During that time period there were many school buses that traveled Thoroughgood Drive for field trips, I haven't seen them during recent years.
After the City of Virginia Beach took ownership there was a reinterpretation that closed the house for many years. The beautiful previous interpretation has been abandoned. ;(
For many years there were conflicting opinions on the construction date based on evidence in the construction materials. The city dated its construction as about 1712, which may or may not be correct.
It was obvious that the house hadn't been the original home of Adam Thoroughgood. That house was most likely in what is now the Baylake Pines neighborhood.
The homes then were near a waterway. A hurricane changed the course of the Lynnhaven River causing the nearby Lynnhaven Parish Church to be moved and the graveyard to be under the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River. Legend is that many years ago boys swimming in the river felt the tombstones, now most likely covered by the river's silt.
Regardless of the interpretation and the controversy of who built the home, it's well worth a visit. Explore the early colonial period and experiences of the family who first owned the property many of us live on. What archeological items could be hiding under our grassy lawns? read more