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History of Historic Port Royal, Inc.

Interest in the History of Port Royal dates back to at least 1931 when the newly formed Colonial Williamsburg Foundation spent weeks photographing and mapping the homes, gardens, outbuilding dependencies, and streetscapes in the village.  This "blueprint" of the town survives today serving as an invaluable snapshot of Port Royal as it appeared early in the last century.

A movement began during the nation's Bicentennial Celebration in the mid-1970's to form a historical group in the town.  The Port Royal Preservation Society was formed to try and preserve the remaining structures in town.  This group lasted for a few years but was never able to effect much change in town.

Enter Laura Hayes Borsch in 1995, a resident of Port Royal who dreamed of a restored and vibrant village on the Rappahannock.   Laura, ever full of energy and ideas, was taken away after a struggle with cancer but not before passing the torch to Cleo Coleman, another visionary in Port Royal.

Bill Henderson moved to Port Royal in 1995 full of dreams of a Colonial village completely restored and well maintained.  With Cleo's undaunted spirit and Bill's unbridled enthusiasm, the two spearheaded a movement in July 1996 to form a historical society that would fulfill the dreams of Laura Hayes Borsch and others in the area that held the same aspirations.   On July 17, 1996 Historic Port Royal, Inc. was officially formed with Cleo Coleman as it's first President.

Many years have passed since those very humble beginnings.  As of today the organization has grown to over 200 members, has hosted two Civil War Re-enactments, two house tours, three tavern nights, two Historic Port Royal Days, three July 4th celebrations, two yard sales, erected historical signage at the river and throughout town, acquired two historic properties, reprinted "Hidden Village" the story of Port Royal, raised over $250,000, and in many ways has helped place Port Royal "on the map."  The work has been rewarding but much work still remains.  We are a town of less than 200 citizens and our strength and success can only be continued through support from outside the community.  Would you please consider supporting Historic Port Royal as we strive to make the village a showcase for historic preservation.

Timeline of events

Meeting Information

Business meetings for Historic Port Royal Inc. are held quarterly at the Port Royal Town Hall, on the  4th Tuesday of January, April, July & October at 7pm    

Directions:
From I-95
Take exit 104 (Bowling Green/Carmel Church Exit), then follow Route 207 east toward Bowling Green.  In the Bowling Green area, Rt. 207 becomes U.S. 301 North.  Port Royal is 13 miles north on U.S. 301.  When you enter the town at the light, continue north and turn right on Cumberland street, which will take you to Port Royal Town Hall.

From Bowling Green--

Take U.S. 301 13 miles north to Port Royal.  When you enter the town at the light, continue north and turn right on Cumberland street, which will take you to Port Royal Town Hall.

From Maryland--

South on 301 to Port Royal.  Left on Cumberland Street to Town Hall.

From Fredericksburg --

Route 17 to Port Royal.  Left at the light and a right on Cumberland Street to Town Hall.  OR  Take Route 3 East to Route 301.  Turn right onto 301, the left onto Cumberland Street to Town Hall.