Accomack County, located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. This rural and picturesque county was among the earliest areas settled by English colonists, and it has played an important role in American history ever since. Accomack’s economy was historically driven by agriculture and maritime industries, which remain important to this day. The county’s unique location, nestled between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, has shaped its development, making it a key part of Virginia’s cultural and historical landscape.
Origins and Key Historical Events
Early Settlements and the Native Peoples
Before the arrival of European settlers, the Eastern Shore of Virginia was inhabited by the Accohannock and Pocomoke tribes, who lived off the rich resources of the land and waters. Their way of life revolved around fishing, hunting, and agriculture, and they established trade networks with neighboring tribes. When English settlers arrived in the early 17th century, these Native American tribes were among the first to encounter European colonists.
In 1608, Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore, documenting the lush environment and the potential for settlement. The region that would become Accomack County was named after the Native American term “Accawmacke,” meaning “across the water.”
Establishment of Accomack County (1663)
Accomack County was officially established in 1663, making it one of Virginia’s oldest counties. Its separation from Northampton County came as a result of the growth in population and the need for better governance in the region. Accomack County’s location on the Eastern Shore made it geographically isolated from mainland Virginia, fostering a distinct culture and economy.
During the colonial period, Accomack was primarily an agricultural community, with tobacco serving as the main cash crop. Plantations and small farms dotted the landscape, while the region’s access to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay promoted trade and fishing industries.
The American Revolution and Civil War
Accomack County, like many areas in Virginia, played a role in the American Revolution. Though geographically distant from the main battlegrounds, its residents contributed to the war effort by providing supplies, men, and ships to aid the revolutionary cause.
In the years leading up to the Civil War, Accomack’s economy, like much of the South, was heavily reliant on agriculture, with enslaved labor playing a significant role. Despite this, the county had a more divided stance on the issue of secession. When Virginia joined the Confederacy, Accomack County also became part of the Confederacy. However, because of its strategic location near the water, the Union quickly occupied much of the Eastern Shore, allowing Accomack to avoid much of the devastation seen elsewhere in Virginia.
Post-Civil War and Economic Development
Following the Civil War, Accomack County saw a decline in its plantation economy. However, the county shifted towards other industries, such as fishing, seafood processing, and agriculture, including crops like corn, wheat, and later tomatoes and potatoes. The completion of the railroad in the late 19th century brought new opportunities for growth, connecting Accomack to larger markets on the mainland and encouraging trade.
The 20th century brought modernization and growth to the area, with tourism becoming an increasingly important part of the economy. The county’s rich history and scenic beauty attracted visitors, while its maritime culture continued to thrive.
Modern Accomack County
Today, Accomack County remains a rural but vibrant community. Agriculture and fishing remain cornerstones of the local economy, though tourism, aerospace, and aquaculture have also gained importance. NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, located in Accomack, has brought a unique aspect of modern science and technology to the area, making the county a key player in aerospace research and development.
Historical Sites in Accomack County
1. Ker Place
Overview: Ker Place is a stunning Federal-style home built in 1799 in Onancock. It serves as a museum showcasing the history and culture of the Eastern Shore, with exhibits on local life during the 18th and 19th centuries. The house is beautifully preserved, featuring original architectural elements and period furnishings. Visitors can explore the house, gardens, and a variety of exhibits detailing the region’s colonial and maritime history.
Location: 69 Market St., Onancock, VA
Ticket Price: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, free for children under 12.
Parking Information: Free on-site parking is available for visitors.
2. Tangier Island
Overview: Tangier Island is a unique historical site accessible only by boat or plane. This small island community, located in the Chesapeake Bay, has been inhabited since the 17th century and is famous for its preserved way of life. Many of the island’s residents are descendants of the original English settlers, and they still speak a distinctive English dialect. The island offers visitors a glimpse into traditional watermen’s culture, with guided tours, seafood restaurants, and historical landmarks.
Location: Accessible by ferry from Onancock or Crisfield, MD
Ticket Price: Free to explore; ferry ride fees vary (typically $20-30 round trip).
Parking Information: Parking available at the ferry terminals.
3. Assateague Island and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Overview: This natural and historical site straddles the Virginia-Maryland border and is famous for its wild ponies and pristine beaches. Assateague Island has a rich history of shipwrecks, Native American habitation, and early colonial settlements. Today, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the Virginia side is a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for birdwatching, hiking, and beachgoing. The annual Chincoteague Pony Swim, made famous by the book Misty of Chincoteague, is a beloved tradition that draws thousands of visitors each year.
Location: Chincoteague Island, VA
Ticket Price: $10 per vehicle for a day pass.
Parking Information: Ample parking is available at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge visitor center.
4. Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center
Overview: Operated by NASA, Wallops Flight Facility is a hub for space exploration and rocket launches. The visitor center offers interactive exhibits on space science, aeronautics, and the history of Wallops Island. Visitors can learn about NASA’s role in space exploration and even witness rocket launches if they time their visit right. The center also hosts educational programs for children and families.
Location: 33531 Chincoteague Rd., Wallops Island, VA
Ticket Price: Free entry
Parking Information: Free parking available at the visitor center.
5. Onancock Historic District
Overview: The Onancock Historic District is a charming area featuring preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. Visitors can stroll through the town’s historic streets, lined with antique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Notable sites include the 1886 Onancock Presbyterian Church and Hopkins & Bro. Store, a preserved 19th-century mercantile building now serving as a museum. The district offers a glimpse into the region’s history as a bustling maritime and commercial center.
Location: Onancock, VA
Ticket Price: Free to explore.
Parking Information: Free street parking is available throughout the historic district.
6. Captain Timothy Hill House
Overview: Built around 1800, the Captain Timothy Hill House is one of the oldest surviving homes on Chincoteague Island. The house has been meticulously restored and is now a museum that offers insight into the life of early settlers on the island. It is famous for the carvings of sailing ships found on its exterior, believed to have been done by young boys learning the craft of shipbuilding. The museum provides guided tours that delve into the island’s maritime heritage.
Location: 5122 Main St., Chincoteague Island, VA
Ticket Price: $5 per person.
Parking Information: Limited parking available near the house.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Accomack County is located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, bordered by the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The county is largely rural, with sprawling farmlands, marshes, and miles of coastline. The region’s geography is flat, with sandy soils and tidal wetlands that support agriculture, fishing, and wildlife. Accomack County experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The proximity to the ocean moderates the temperature, but the area is vulnerable to nor’easters and tropical storms.
Quick Facts
- Year Founded: 1663
- County Seat: Accomac
- Population: Approximately 33,000
- Population Density: Around 70 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Chincoteague, Onancock, Accomac
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 13, State Route 175
- Adjacent Counties: Northampton County (to the south), Somerset County, MD (to the north), Worcester County, MD (to the north)