During the back-and-forth about a proposed historical marker for Gwynn’s Island, referring to the exodus of its African American population a century ago, a few lonely voices asked:

What about the Native Americans and their exodus? Where is a marker for them?

This prompted a search of the list of historic highway markers in Gloucester and Mathews. These markers date to the 1920s and have evolved since from short descriptions to rather wordy mini-lectures.

Having said that, it’s apparent in the list that later years have brought a number of markers for African American points of interest. As for Native Americans, we found one: Werowocomoco. (However, the list has a few quirks—see below.)

Here’s the list that popped up for Gloucester County when we searched a database at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Is it complete? Having driven by most of them for many years, something seems to be missing.

Poplar Spring Church, Gloucester Courthouse, Gloucester Hall, We...