Accomack County, Virginia is located on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay and is bordered to the north by Maryland. The county covers a total area of approximately 498 square miles and stretches along the Atlantic Coast from the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. The county is divided into two parts: Northampton County and Accomack County.
The landscape of Accomack County is mostly flat with some rolling hills, as well as many marshes, tidal creeks, and small lakes. The county’s main river, Chincoteague Bay, runs along its eastern border with Maryland and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Chincoteague Island. To the west lies a large expanse of wetlands known as Back Bay that is home to a variety of wildlife species including migratory waterfowl, wading birds, fish, crabs, and oysters.
Accomack County has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit while winter temperatures range from 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is abundant throughout most of the year with an average annual precipitation rate of 39 inches per year.
The land in Accomack County consists primarily of agricultural fields such as cornfields, soybean fields, hayfields, tobacco fields, wheat fields, orchards and vineyards. Additionally there are several large forests that cover much of the land in Accomack County providing habitat for many species of wildlife including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. There are also numerous parks located throughout Accomack County offering visitors recreational opportunities such as camping, fishing, hiking and boating.
Country seat and other main cities in Accomack County, Virginia
The county seat of Accomack County is the town of Accomac, which was established in 1663 and is one of the oldest towns in Virginia. The town is located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, directly across from Chincoteague Island. The town has a population of just over 2,000 people and serves as the hub for commerce and government in the county.
According to countryaah, the largest city in Accomack County is Parksley with a population of around 1,200 people. Parksley was founded in 1891 and quickly became an important agricultural center for the region as well as a major shipping port along the Eastern Shore Railroad. Today, Parksley serves as a popular tourist destination with many restaurants, shops, and historic sites to explore.
Other cities in Accomack County include Onancock with a population of around 1,000 people and Melfa with a population of around 500 people. Onancock was established in 1680 and is known for its rich history and unique architecture including many Victorian homes that have been preserved over time. Melfa is located on the Northern Neck region of Virginia’s Eastern Shore and is known for its abundance of wildlife including bald eagles, ospreys, herons and other waterfowl species.
Finally there are numerous smaller towns located throughout Accomack County such as Temperanceville, Bloxom, Mappsville, Wachapreague, Tasley and Painter that offer visitors an opportunity to explore rural life on Virginia’s Eastern Shore while still having access to larger cities like Onancock or Parksley if needed.
Note:
According to abbreviationfinder, the two-letter abbreviation for the state of Virginia is VA. This abbreviation is commonly used on mail and other correspondence to represent the state. It is also used on various documents, such as driver’s licenses or vehicle registration documents. Additionally, it is used when referring to the state in shorthand form, such as when discussing its location or government services. VA is also often used in social media posts and other digital communications to refer to Virginia.
History of Accomack County, Virginia
Accomack County, Virginia has a rich and varied history that dates back to the mid-1600s when the area was first settled by English colonists. The county was officially established in 1663 and named after the Native American tribe of Accawmacke, who were living in the area prior to European settlement. During colonial times, Accomack County served as an important center of trade and commerce due to its location along Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
In 1783, Accomack County became part of the newly formed United States of America. During the early 19th century, many prominent individuals from Accomack County served in local and state government positions including Governor James Barbour who served as governor from 1812-1814. During this time, agriculture was a major industry for the county with tobacco being one of its primary crops.
During the Civil War, Accomack County was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers which led to bitter divisions within the county. After the war ended in 1865, many of those divisions remained and some citizens even chose to leave the county altogether in search of a better life elsewhere.
In 1886, Accomack County gained national attention when it was selected as one of five counties in Virginia to participate in a major agricultural experiment known as “The Great Experiments” which aimed to introduce new methods for growing crops more efficiently. The experiment proved successful with yields increasing significantly over time due to improved farming techniques.
Today, Accomack County is still largely rural with agriculture still playing an important role in its economy and culture. In addition to agriculture, tourism is also an important industry for the county with numerous parks located throughout offering visitors recreational opportunities such as camping, fishing and boating. Overall, Accomack County has a long and varied history that continues to shape its present day character making it a unique place worth visiting for any traveler looking for a glimpse into rural America’s past.
Economy of Accomack County, Virginia
Accomack County, Virginia is a rural area with a diverse economy. Agriculture remains the primary economic activity in the county, with tobacco being the main crop produced. In addition to tobacco, other crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay are also grown in the area. The county is also home to numerous livestock operations which provide beef cattle, sheep, and hogs for sale.
Fishing is another important industry for Accomack County with an abundance of seafood from local waters including oysters, crabs, clams, and fish. The seafood industry has been an integral part of the local economy for centuries and continues to be important today.
The tourism industry is also an important contributor to Accomack County’s economy. With its location along Virginia’s Eastern Shore and numerous parks offering camping and recreational activities such as fishing and boating, the county attracts visitors from all over the country looking for a glimpse into rural America’s past.
In addition to these industries, Accomack County also has a growing manufacturing sector with companies such as Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems producing aerospace products in the area. There are also several small businesses located throughout the county providing goods and services to local residents as well as visitors from other parts of Virginia and beyond.
Overall, Accomack County has a diverse economy that provides employment opportunities in agriculture, fishing, tourism, manufacturing as well as small business operations; making it an ideal place for those looking for employment or starting their own business venture in rural America.
