About

Tompkins Cottage, near the Mathews historic courthouse district, is headquarters to the Mathews County Historical Society. The oldest wooden structure in the courthouse, it was used as a mercantile store starting in 1815 by Christopher Tompkins, father of Captain Sally Tompkins, the first female commissioned officer in the U.S. military. In later years, the cottage served a variety of commercial and domestic uses. Museum and gift shop, exhibits on Mathews history. Be sure to walk around back and check out the herb garden that might have been there in the 1800's. Call for tours during off season. No admission charge but donations are welcome.

Tompkins Cottage is open Saturdays from 10am-1pm. Stop over for a tour after the award winning Farmers Market on the Historic Court House Green from 9am-1pm.