A new exhibit explores the history of the Mark-Haven Beach resort and its proprietor, Reginald (R.A.) Markham. A significant contributor to the quality of Essex County life as a businessman, developer and civic leader, Mr. Markham was born on Long Island, New York in 1910 and educated in New York City. He moved to Tappahannock in 1937 and created the Mark-Haven Beach resort on the Rappahannock River. Built during the time of racial segregation, the popular resort near Center Cross featured a three-story lodge with 18 bedrooms. Surrounding cabins with private baths and screened porches provided an additional 16 rooms. A restaurant with a banquet room served seafood fresh from the Rappahannock and vegetables grown right on the grounds. Mark-Haven Beach was frequently filled to capacity on weekends and holidays. The Markhams ran the resort for more than 30 years and sold the property in 1970. A street in the town of Tappahannock, Markham Terrace, is named after R.A. Markham.
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