Historical Markers in
Accomack County, Virginia

Accomac Historic District Accomack County / Northampton County Accomack County Virginia World War I Accomack County Virginia World War II, Korea & Vietnam Anne Makemie Holden Annie C. Assateague Light House Banty's Wharf Barber Shop Bench Birthplace of Governor Wise Boats and Bridges Bounty from the Sea Captain Timothy Hill House Chambers Lane Chesapeake House Chesapeake Lodge #158 Chincoteague Island Library Chincoteague Timeline Chincoteague's Front Door Christ Sanctified Holy Church Civil Air Patrol Coastal Base Four Class X23 Box Car Confederate Memorial Daley's Grocery Debtors Prison Diner #6061 Doctor's Bungalow Dollars from Decoys Dr. Copter — Flying Medicine to Tangier Dr. John Ross Elijah Baker First Mobile Home Fish So Fine Fisherman's Corner Former Site of New Testament Congregation Fort Albion Founder of Presbyterianism Francis Makemie Monument Freedom Is Never Free Genl. Edmund R. Bagwell Gladstone Memorial Health Center Gravestones Greenbackville Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. Harborton High School Historic Cemetery Historic Cokesbury Church Hopkins and Sons; Hopkins and Brothers Ice Cream Stand J.E. Wallace & Co. Store Joshua Thomas Lane Keeping the Forest Full of Life Kerr Place Lee’s Bethel Lightweight Sleeping Car Log Canoe Annie C Long Bridge Maintenance-of-Way Tool Shed Makemie Monument Park Makemie Statue Mary Nottingham Smith High School Methodist Parsonage Miss Mollys Inn Misty of Chincoteague NASA Wallops Flight Facility New Testament Congregation Oak Grove Methodist Church Occahannock Occohannock Indians Old Shirt Factory Onancock Original Greenbackville School Bell Parks Marina Peter Crockett Store Site of the Home of Francis Makemie Site of Willis Store-House So Terribly Helpless Spanky's Place St. George's Episcopal Church Steering the Annie C… Still Shining... After All These Years Swain Memorial United Methodist Church Tangier Harbor Tangier History Museum and Interpretive Cultural Center (THMICC) Tangier Island Tangier Island Veterans Memorial Tangier Island World Wars I and II Memorial Tangier Volunteer Fire Department Telegraph here Telephone Office, Post Office & Myrt’s The Amanda Wallace Pruitt House The Cabin area… The Connorton House The Doctor's House The Double Six The Edward Crockett House The Emily Pruitt House The Hopeton Passenger Station The John Thomas House The Joshua Pruitt House The knees and washboards… The Logs… The Miss Minnie & Capt. Charlie Pruitt House The Parson of the Islands The Patrick Benson House The Peter Dise House The Railroad Tracks That Run Through Parksley The Sydney Wallace House The Watson Light The Wild Ponies This corner portion of the brick foundation This Memorial Pyramid Water: A Way of Life Watson House Welcome to Assateague Village Welcome to Historic Tangier Island Welcome To Historic Tangier Island Welcome to the NASA Visitor Center World Wars I and II You Are Not Forgotten You Had to Keep On “The Bear and the Cub” “The Bear and the Cub”
The first slave ship to arrive in the American colonies landed in Virginia in 1619. Virginia became a center of the transatlantic slave trade, and by 1860, Virginia had the largest population of enslaved people in the United States.
Virginia random facts
Accomack County, located on the eastern shore of Virginia, has a rich history that dates back to the earliest European settlements in America. The area was first explored by English colonists in the early 17th century, and Accomack County was officially established in 1634, making it one of the oldest counties in the United States. The county was initially a part of the larger Virginia colony and played a significant role in the early years of American history.

In the early years of its settlement, Accomack County relied heavily on agriculture, particularly tobacco cultivation. The fertile soil and mild climate were ideal for growing tobacco, and the county soon became an important agricultural center. Over time, the economy diversified, with the introduction of other crops such as corn, wheat, and potatoes, as well as the development of industries like fishing, shipbuilding, and salt production.

During the American Revolution, Accomack County played a crucial role in the fight for independence. Many residents joined the continental army and militia, while others provided supplies and support to the cause. The county saw several battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of the Assunpink Creek, where General George Washington led his troops to a crucial victory.

In the years that followed, Accomack County continued to grow and evolve. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to further economic development. Today, the county is known for its historic charm, beautiful landscapes, and strong sense of community. It continues to preserve its rich history while embracing progress and innovation.

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

  • 1608: Captain John Smith sails along the Chesapeake Bay, exploring the Eastern Shore area.
  • 1634: Accomack County is established as one of the original eight shires of Virginia.
  • 1663: The county courthouse is constructed in Drummondtown (now Accomac).
  • 1680: The town of Onancock is established.
  • 1732: The town of Chincoteague is established on the barrier island.
  • 1786: A new courthouse is constructed in the town of Accomac.
  • 1822: The name of the county seat is officially changed from Drummondtown to Accomac.
  • 1878: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel opens, connecting the Eastern Shore to mainland Virginia.
  • 1947: The town of Onley is incorporated.
  • 1950: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is completed, providing a direct link between the Eastern Shore and the Hampton Roads area.