The Mathews County Historical Society during 2011 focused its attention on several landmark properties, according to the annual report from president Reed Lawson.

She said Fort Nonsense, a set of Civil War fortifications at the county line, has been transferred to county ownership. An entrance road was built in cooperation with adjacent landowners Redeeming Grace Baptist Church and the Court House Players. The society is waiting for approval from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to advertise for bids to build a gateway park there, she said.

Frank Lansinger has headed up the Fort Nonsense work.

The Thomas James Store, just off Main Street behind the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center, is being prepared for visitors. Lawson said grants have been received to develop an interpretive plan; she added that land under the store was purchased from the visitor center.

Graham Hood is coordinating efforts on the historic store building.
The society’s headq...