Varina Farms - Nomenclature

Nomenclature

There is a common misconception that Varina was named in honor of Varina (née Howell) Davis (1826-1905), who was the wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. That could not be possible because Varina Howell was born more than 200 years after Rolfe established Varina Farms in 1614. However, Mrs. Davis was admired in the Richmond area. It is likely that after the American Civil War, the further and wider use of the name "Varina" locally may be partially attributed to her reputation as the First Lady of the Lost Cause.