Eastern Shore of Virginia

Eastern Shore of Virginia
Name	Eastern Shore of Virginia
Settlement type	Region
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Virginia
Subdivision type2	Counties
Subdivision name2	Accomack, Northampton
Leader title	Congressional district
Leader name	Virginia's 2nd congressional district

Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a peninsula region on the Delmarva Peninsula, lying between the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It comprises the two counties of Accomack and Northampton, which are separated from the mainland of the Commonwealth of Virginia by the Chesapeake Bay. The region is known for its unique maritime culture, agricultural heritage, and significant wildlife refuges.

Geography

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a narrow, low-lying peninsula extending approximately 70 miles south from the Maryland border. Its western shoreline is defined by the Chesapeake Bay, while its eastern coast faces the Atlantic Ocean, featuring barrier islands such as Assateague Island and Chincoteague Island. The landscape is predominantly flat, with extensive salt marshes, tidal creeks, and pocosin wetlands. Major waterways include Chesapeake Bay, Pocomoke Sound, and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The region's southern tip is anchored by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a major engineering feat connecting it to the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Protected areas like the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge and parts of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are critical habitats for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway.

History

The Eastern Shore of Virginia was first explored by Europeans in the early 17th century, with Captain John Smith charting the area during his voyages for the Virginia Company of London. It was one of the original jurisdictions of the Colony of Virginia, with Accomack (later divided) being established in 1634. The region played a role in the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, with the Battle of the Chesapeake occurring offshore. During the American Civil War, it was occupied by Union forces following the Battle of Fredericksburg. The 20th century saw the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, completed in 1964, which dramatically improved connectivity. Historic sites include the Custis Tomb at Arlington and properties associated with the Bowdoin family.

Economy

The economy of the Eastern Shore of Virginia has traditionally been based on agriculture, commercial fishing, and aquaculture. It is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, and poultry, with major operations for companies like Perdue Farms. The seafood industry is centered on harvesting blue crab, oysters, and clams from the Chesapeake Bay. Tourism is a growing sector, driven by destinations such as Chincoteague Island, the Wallops Island flight facility operated by NASA, and the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim. The Virginia Spaceport Authority at Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport supports the aerospace industry. Other significant employers include Riverside Health System and various food processing plants.

Demographics

The population of the Eastern Shore of Virginia is concentrated in towns like Onancock, Chincoteague, Cape Charles, and Exmore. According to the United States Census Bureau, Accomack County is the more populous of the two counties. The region has a significant African American community with historical roots in the area's plantation and watermen heritage. Demographic trends show an aging population and seasonal fluctuations due to tourism and migrant workers in the agricultural sector. Educational attainment levels vary, with institutions like the Eastern Shore Community College serving the area.

Transportation

Primary road access to the Eastern Shore of Virginia is via U.S. Route 13, which runs the length of the peninsula and connects to Delaware and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to the south. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a critical link to the Hampton Roads region and Interstate 64. Public transportation is limited, but Bay Coast Railroad provides freight rail service. The region is served by the Wallops Island Airport and has several public-use airports like the Accomack County Airport. Maritime transport is facilitated by ports in Cape Charles and Onancock, connecting to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Culture and recreation

The culture of the Eastern Shore of Virginia is deeply influenced by its maritime environment, evident in events like the Chincoteague Pony Swim made famous by Marguerite Henry's novel *Misty of Chincoteague*. The region hosts festivals such as the Eastern Shore of Virginia Harvest Festival and the Chincoteague Oyster Festival. Recreational activities abound in places like the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Kiptopeke State Park, and the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, offering birdwatching, kayaking, and fishing. The arts are supported by venues like the North Street Playhouse in Onancock and the Cape Charles Museum. Culinary traditions heavily feature seafood, particularly she-crab soup and oyster dishes.

Category:Peninsulas of Virginia Category:Regions of Virginia Category:Delmarva Peninsula