Southampton County, Virginia

Southampton County, Virginia
Mojo Hand · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
County	Southampton County
State	Virginia
Founded	1749
Seat	Courtland
Area total sq mi	602
Area land sq mi	599
Population as of	2020
Population total	18185
Population density sq mi	30

Southampton County, Virginia. Located in the Hampton Roads region, it is bordered by Isle of Wight County, Virginia to the east, Franklin, Virginia to the west, and North Carolina to the south. The county seat is Courtland, Virginia, which is situated near the Blackwater River. The county is also home to the Nottoway River, which flows through the Blackwater-Nottoway River Basin and is a tributary of the Chowan River.

Geography

The geography of the county is characterized by its location in the Coastal Plain region of Virginia, with the Fall Line marking the boundary between the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain. The county's terrain is generally flat, with some areas of wetlands and swamps along the Blackwater River and Nottoway River. The county is also home to several lakes and reservoirs, including Lake Meade and Lake Prince. Nearby cities include Suffolk, Virginia, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Norfolk, Virginia, which are all part of the larger Hampton Roads metropolitan area. The county is also close to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, which is a protected area managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

History

The history of the county dates back to the early 18th century, when it was formed from Isle of Wight County, Virginia in 1749. The county was named after Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, an English nobleman who was a supporter of the Virginia Company of London. During the American Revolutionary War, the county was a key location for the Continental Army, with George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette both passing through the area. The county was also home to several plantations, including Rosemont (plantation), which was owned by William Mahone, a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Other notable historical figures from the area include Nat Turner, who led a slave rebellion in 1831, and Joseph E. Johnston, a Confederate general who fought in the Battle of Seven Pines and the Battle of Bentonville.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of the county was 18,185. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of African American, European American, and Native American residents. The county is also home to a number of military personnel and veterans, with nearby Naval Station Norfolk and Langley Air Force Base being major employers. The median household income in the county is around $43,000, with a median home value of around $140,000. Nearby cities with similar demographics include Newport News, Virginia, Hampton, Virginia, and Portsmouth, Virginia. The county is also close to the College of William & Mary, Old Dominion University, and Norfolk State University.

Economy

The economy of the county is driven by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is a major producer of tobacco, soybeans, and corn, with many farms and plantations throughout the area. The county is also home to several major employers, including International Paper, Georgia-Pacific, and Perdue Farms. The county's location near the Port of Virginia also makes it an important hub for international trade and commerce. Nearby cities with similar economies include Richmond, Virginia, Lynchburg, Virginia, and Roanoke, Virginia. The county is also close to the Appalachian Trail, which attracts many hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Education

The county is served by Southampton County Public Schools, which operates several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools throughout the area. The county is also home to several private schools, including Southampton Academy and Tidewater Academy. Nearby colleges and universities include Paul D. Camp Community College, Tidewater Community College, and Virginia Wesleyan University. The county is also close to the NASA Langley Research Center, which is a major center for aerospace research and development.

Government

The government of the county is headed by a board of supervisors, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget and policies. The county is also served by the Southampton County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for law enforcement and public safety. The county is part of the Virginia's 4th congressional district, which is represented by Donald McEachin in the United States House of Representatives. The county is also part of the Virginia Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates, which are represented by Louise Lucas and Roslyn Tyler, respectively. Nearby cities with similar governments include Chesapeake, Virginia, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Newport News, Virginia. The county is also close to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which is a federal court that serves the eastern part of the state. Category:Virginia counties