Adam Thoroughgood House, Virginia Beach

The Adam Thoroughgood House is one of the oldest surviving colonial homes in the area. Built around 1719 by Adam Thoroughgood's great-grandson, the house is a significant piece of local history.

The Thoroughgood House showcases Virginia’s pre-Georgian architecture and provides insight into the lifestyle of early colonial gentry. Furnished to reflect the early 18th century, it has been a museum since 1957 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960. It is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmark Register. The house underwent a significant restoration in 2004, funded by a grant from the National Park Service and matched by the city of Virginia Beach.

Adam Thoroughgood was born in July 1604 in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England. Seeking adventure, he traveled to the Virginia Colony at age 17, paying for his passage through indentured servitude. After completing his servitude in five years, he bought 150 acres of land. By 1635, he had sponsored 105 indentured servants, giving them the same opportunity he had.

Thoroughgood returned to England, married Sarah Offley, and by 1636, he owned about 5,350 acres near the Lynnhaven River. He was a prominent community leader, serving in various roles such as a member of the House of Burgesses, the Governor’s Council, and as a Justice of the Court in New Norfolk County. He also played a role in establishing Princess Anne County. Adam Thoroughgood died at 36 in 1640 and was buried on his land, though his grave is now under the Lynnhaven River due to shifting river boundaries.