Gloucester County, Virginia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Gloucester County, Virginia | |
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| Map | |
 Location in the state of Virginia |
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| Statistics | |
| Formed | 1651 |
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| Seat | Gloucester |
| Area - Total - Land - Water |
746 km² (288 mi²) sq mi ( km²) 185 km² (71 mi²), 24.79% |
| Population - (2000) - Density |
34,780 62/km² |
| Website: www.co.gloucester.va.us | |
Gloucester County is an historical Chesapeake county located on the Middle Peninsula of the U.S. state — officially, "Commonwealth" — of Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the population was 34,780.
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[edit] History
The history of Gloucester County began soon after the settlement of Jamestown in 1607. Named for Henry Stuart, Duke of Gloucester, third son of Charles I, Gloucester County figured prominently in the history of the colony and the Commonwealth of Virginia. When English settlers arrived at Jamestown in 1607, the Indian stronghold of Chief Powhatan was located on the north side of the York River, in what is now Gloucester. It was here that Powhatan built his home, Werowocomoco. According to legend, his daughter, the Princess Pocahontas saved the gallant Captain John Smith from death at the hands of the Indians, and thus, entered the pages of Virginia's history.
Early land patents were granted in 1639, but it was not until after 1644 that Gloucester was considered safe for settlement. George Washington's great grandfather received a Gloucester County land patent in 1650. Gloucester County was formed from York County in 1651, and consisted of four parishes: Abingdon, Kingston, Petsworth and Ware. Kingston parish became Mathews County in 1791.
In the 1600's and 1700's, Gloucester was a tobacco producing area, and many old plantation homes and magnificent private estates remain today in perfect condition. From time to time, these establishments are open to public visitation during Historic Garden Week. In addition, there are fine examples of Colonial architecture in the churches of Ware (1690) and Abingdon (1755), and some early buildings remain at the county seat on the Courthouse Green actively serving the public.
In the seventeenth century, the tip of land protruding into the York River, across from Yorktown, was named Tyndall's Point by Robert Tyndall, mapmaker for Captain John Smith. Later named Gloucester Point, fortifications were built here in 1667, and were rebuilt and strengthened many times from colonial days through the American Civil War. This site is also known as the "Second Surrender" by General Charles Lord Cornwallis to General George Washington at Yorktown.
Following English settlement, Gloucester became home to many colonial leaders. Several other points of interest include Warner Hall, George Washington's maternal grandmother's home, which is now a B&B; Rosewell, where Thomas Jefferson spent many nights with his friend John Page; and both Washington and Jefferson worshiped (often at the same service) at Abingdon Episcopal Church. Other notable Gloucestonians include John Buckner, who in 1680 brought the colony its first printing press; John Clayton, world renowned botanist; Dr. Walter Reed, conqueror of yellow fever; Lawyer T. C. Walker, though born in slavery, broke those chains and became a respected and successful businessman; and Robert R. Moton, who successfully lobbied for a Black man to be appointed as an assistant to the Secretary of War.
The history of the daffodil in Gloucester County, Virginia, is almost as old as the county itself. When Gloucester was formed in 1651 from part of York County the early settlers brought these soft reminders of English springs as they established themselves in the area. The soil and weather conditions were ideal for daffodils. The bulbs were passed from neighbor to neighbor and spread from the orderly beds and burying grounds of the great houses to the fields. Some, such as the hardy Trumpet Major variety, seemed to thrive on neglect. By the beginning of the 20th century daffodils grew wild in the untended fields of Gloucester. It is from this abundance of natural beauty that grew the extensive daffodil industry which earned the county the title "Daffodil Capital of America" in the 1930's and 40's. They also hold an annual Daffodil Festival to commemorate this.
One interesting area of Gloucester County is known as Guinea. Located near Gloucester Point, the area has historically been the center of the seafood industry of the county. While the number of participants in this industry has declined over the years, it remains the cultural core of the community. These watermen are known locally as "Guineamen." This term is not inherently derisive, but is often used as such by residents residing in other parts of Gloucester County. Guineamen often speak a heavily-accented form of non-rhotic Southern Vernecular English, but not necessarily a distinct dialect. The name "Guinea" is of uncertain origin; however, a commonly held explanation is that this area of Gloucester County was named "Guinea" in an effort to deride the Tories (Loyalists) who quartered Hessian mercenaries in service of the British Crown during the Revolutionary War - soldiers who were paid one Guinea per day. It is believed the Hessians were attached to General Charles Lord Cornwallis' (of Yorktown fame) army and either occupied lower Gloucester during the closing days of the Revolutionary War or deserted their service fighting for the British. What is known is Cornwallis sent British troops and cavalry (under the command of Colonel Banastre Tarleton) to occupy Gloucester in October 1781, and Hessians may have been a part of that contingency and were sent to secure lower Gloucester due to its strategic importance at the mouth of the York River.
[edit] Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 746 km² (288 mi²). 561 km² (217 mi²) of it is land and 185 km² (71 mi²) of it (24.79%) is water.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 34,780 people, 13,127 households, and 9,884 families residing in the county. The population density was 62/km² (161/mi²). There were 14,494 housing units at an average density of 26/km² (67/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.68% White, 10.31% Black or African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 1.45% from two or more races. 1.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 13,127 households out of which 35.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.40% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.70% were non-families. 20.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the county, the population was spread out with 26.20% under the age of 18, 6.80% from 18 to 24, 30.40% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 11.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $45,421, and the median income for a family was $51,426. Males had a median income of $35,838 versus $24,325 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,990. About 6.80% of families and 7.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.70% of those under age 18 and 8.50% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Census-designated places
[edit] External links
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| Middle Peninsula: |
Gloucester County | Mathews County |
| Virginia Peninsula: |
Hampton | James City County | Newport News | Poquoson | Williamsburg | York County |
| South Hampton Roads: |
Chesapeake | Isle of Wight County | Norfolk | Portsmouth | Suffolk | Surry County | Virginia Beach |
| Northeast North Carolina: |
