Our Ancestor
Joseph Bridger (c.1632–1686) was an important leader in colonial Virginia. Born in England, he moved to the colony as a young man and became one of the wealthiest landowners of his time, building a huge estate called Whitemarsh. He quickly rose in local government, first serving in the House of Burgesses and later joining the Governor’s Council of State, where he helped make major decisions for the colony. Bridger was also a military leader and played a key role during Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676, a major conflict in Virginia’s early history. He is remembered today as the benefactor in building St. Luke’s Church in Smithfield, Virginia, where he is buried in the chancel. Several hundred people can trace their family roots back to him and his wife Hester Pitt. The Bridger Family Association exists to honor their memory.
Our Mission
To perpetuate the memory of Gen. Joseph Bridger and his family by gathering his descendants together, at least once annually, for convivial enjoyment and to enrich their appreciation for their Bridger heritage;
To promote and underwrite historical, archeological, and genealogical research regarding Gen. Bridger and his family; to publish the results of the same, in order to raise awareness of the Bridger family’s many accomplishments; and, in so doing, to deepen the public’s understanding of this family’s significant role in Colonial Virginia’s rich history; and
To preserve sites and records associated with the Bridger family.
Brief History of our Association
At a Jamestowne Society meeting in May 2005, three attendees discussed their family ties to Gen. Joseph Bridger (1631-1686) of Isle of Wight County, Virginia. William P. Carrell II, James A. Bridger, Jr., and Jean Birdsong Tomes decided they should form a group to honor the memory of Joseph Bridger and his wife Hester Pitt.
In May 2006, descendants of Joseph Bridger established the Bridger Family Association at an organizational meeting at the Historic St. Luke’s Church & Museum near Smithfield, Virginia. The descendants meet annually, usually in the Tidewater Virginia area, and enjoy welcoming new and prospective members.
The Bridger Family Association journey in the past 20 years has included working with anthropologists, archaeologists, and historians to tell the story of Joseph Bridger’s life in colonial Isle of Wight County. We’ve traveled to England, Bermuda, and Wyoming to visit sites of family interest. We hope you enjoy reading about our history and will join us for future events.
EVENTS
Bridger Family Association
20th Anniversary
Annual Meeting
DoubleTree by Hilton
May 15-17, 2026
Williamsburg, Virginia
