National Register Listing

Smithfield Historic District

Roughly bounded by Pagan River, Little Creek, and town line, Smithfield, VA
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development; Commerce; Military; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

In 1954, the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, originated from a lawsuit filed by parents in Virginia.
Virginia random facts
Isle of Wight County, located in Virginia, holds a rich and diverse history that stretches back to the early 17th century. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Nansemond and the Chowanoc, before the arrival of English settlers in 1608. Captain Christopher Lawne, along with a group of settlers, established the first English settlement in 1618 on the northern side of the county near modern-day Smithfield.

The county's economy initially depended on tobacco farming, which led to the establishment of large plantation estates. Many of these plantations were worked by enslaved Africans, who played a significant role in shaping the county's history. With time, the economy diversified, and industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and timber production flourished along the county's waterways.

During the American Revolutionary War, Isle of Wight County was an active participant in the fight for independence. The county's residents joined the Patriot cause and contributed troops, supplies, and resources to the Continental Army. The county's proximity to Norfolk, a hotbed of Loyalist sentiment, made it a significant battleground during the war.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Isle of Wight County experienced industrial growth and technological advancements. The arrival of the railway in the late 1800s spurred economic development, while the establishment of the Smithfield Packing Company brought employment opportunities and prosperity to the area. Today, Isle of Wight County continues to thrive as a historic and scenic region, attracting visitors for its charming small towns, natural beauty, and agricultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Isle Of Wight County, Virginia.

  • 1608 - Captain John Smith explores the area and records its Native American inhabitants
  • 1610 - Isle of Wight County is established as one of the original eight shires of Virginia by the House of Burgesses
  • 1624 - The county is named Isle of Wight after the English island of the same name
  • 1634 - The area becomes part of the new colony of Virginia
  • 1647 - Isle of Wight County becomes an independent entity with its own government
  • 1665 - The county courthouse is established in Smithfield
  • 1676 - Bacon's Rebellion spreads to Isle of Wight County
  • 1680 - The county's first brick courthouse is built
  • 1774-1783 - Isle of Wight County actively participates in the American Revolutionary War
  • 1800s - The county's economy relies heavily on agriculture, particularly tobacco and later peanuts
  • 1861-1865 - Isle of Wight County is part of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War
  • 1900s - The county experiences significant population growth and the rise of industry
  • 2003 - The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry begins operating between Isle of Wight County and James City County