Note: This not the original bridge; the old one having been replaced over time to current construction standards. The highway is called Ware’s Church Road. This is the land of Valentine, Edward, Nicholas, John and Robert Ware.
“This crossing over the Dragon Run took it’s name from the Ware family, who lived in the vicinity. It was an early structure erected probably by the Wares, over which the road leading from King and Queen to Middlesex Co. passed and as far as is known stands at the same place it was originally built.”
Source: Photo No. 1, Google Earth
Old New Kent County [Virginia]: Some Account of the Planters, Plantations, and Places in Old New Kent
County, Vol. 1, Malcom Hart Harris, M.D., 2006, page 376 (This book is partially available on-line through
GoogleBook.com. The preface dates from 1976, but the book was published in 2006.)
I find it unique that farms, buildings and other structures retain their original name by reference over the years through several generations. As a boy, I remember some of the old folks referring to farms in our area by the names of the people who originally lived there nearly 100 years ago.
C. Wayne Ware
Cedar Falls, IA