Gloucester County, Virginia

1920's Farm Equipment 1953 Benthall Peanut Picker A Sacred Place A Vital British Outpost at Gloucester Point Abingdon Church After the Surrender at Yorktown Attacking with “Decisive Vigor” Authority and Ceremony Battle of the Hook Bethel Baptist Church Boutetourt #7 A.F. & A.M. Lodge Cappahosic Cappahosic Classic Camp Life Court House Daffodils Arrived Here With the Colonists Dr. Walter Reed’s Birthplace Early Land Patent Early Timberneck Graveyard Fairfield Freedom is Won Gloucester Agricultural and Industrial School Gloucester Continues to Celebrate the Daffodil Gloucester Courthouse Gloucester Downtown Historic District Gloucester Hall Gloucester in the Civil War Gloucester Point Gloucester Point Gloucester Point Chapel Gloucester Training School Governor John Page Harvesting Nature's Bounty History and Community History of the Edge Hill Intersection In Memoriam John Clayton In Memoriam John Clayton Indian Princess Pocahontas King and Queen County / Gloucester County Managing a Dynamic Landscape Marlfield Middlesex County / Gloucester County Mother Nature Comes Calling Natives, Explorers, Tobacco and Buccaneers On to Richmond! Parts of a Parrott Rifle Peacemaking and Mobility People & Personalities of Edge Hill Persistence Poplar Spring Church Port of Call Powhatan’s Chimney Pvt. James Daniel Gardner Restoration of the Edge Hill Service Station Robert Russa Moton Rosewell Rosewell and Werowocomoco Still Defending Virginia’s Shores Tarleton's Last Fight Texaco Gas Pumps, c. 1930s The Algonquian Landscape The Birdsall Building The British Safety Valve The Daffodil Industry The Edge Hill House The Irene Morgan Story Begins Thomas Calhoun Walker Timberneck House Renovation at Machicomoco State Park To Get to the Other Side To Gwynn's Island To the Confederate Dead of Gloucester Traveling Gloucester United Negro College Fund Virginia Institute of Marine Science Virginia's First Shots in the Civil War Walter Reed Birthplace Ware Church Warner Hall Welcome to Gloucester Point Welcome to the Edge Hill Service Station Werowocomoco Where North Meets South Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) Woodville School Zion Poplars Baptist Church Zion Poplars Baptist Church "The Hook" "Trust Your Car to the Man Who Wears the Star"
Gloucester County, Virginia has a rich history that dates back to the early 1600s. Established in 1651, it is one of the oldest counties in the state. Originally inhabited by the Powhatan Native American tribe, the area became significant when English settlers arrived in Jamestown in 1607. These settlers expanded westward, establishing plantations along the York River. Gloucester County quickly became a major center for tobacco production and trade.

During the American Revolutionary War, Gloucester County played a significant role. The county was a hotbed of revolutionary sentiment, with many residents actively supporting the cause for independence. Built in 1774, the Court Green served as the center of government during the War. The Battle of the Hook, fought in 1781, took place in Gloucester County and was an important victory for the Continental Army.

In the early 19th century, Gloucester County experienced economic growth and cultural development. The county's prime location along the Chesapeake Bay and York River made it a hub for maritime trade and shipbuilding. Gloucester also became known for its several family-owned businesses and successful agricultural practices, including market gardening and fishing. The construction of the Severn River Bridge in 1929 connected Gloucester County to neighboring Mathews County and further facilitated economic growth.

In the 20th century, Gloucester County transitioned from its agricultural roots to a more diversified economy. The construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in 1964 and the opening of the Coleman Bridge in 1952 provided easier access to the region, further facilitating growth. Today, Gloucester County is known for its historic charm, natural beauty, and strong community spirit. It continues to attract residents and visitors with its historical sites, recreational activities, and thriving local businesses.
Brief timeline of the history of Gloucester County, Virginia:

  • 1651: Gloucester County, Virginia is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1676: Bacon's Rebellion, an armed rebellion against British colonial rule in Virginia, takes place in Gloucester County.
  • 1776: Gloucester County residents actively participate in the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1823: The Virginia General Assembly establishes the Gloucester Female Academy, later renamed the Gloucester Institute.
  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Gloucester County is occupied by Union forces and becomes a staging area for military operations.
  • 1889: The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway is completed, bringing increased economic opportunities to Gloucester County.
  • 1926: The George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge, connecting Gloucester County to Yorktown, is completed.
  • 1973: The county seat of Gloucester County is relocated to Gloucester Courthouse.
  • 2003: Gloucester County celebrates its 350th anniversary.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Gloucester County, Virginia.

Audiobooks about the history of Virginia.