Northumberland County, Virginia
Encyclopedia
Northumberland County is a county located on the Northern Neck
in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a state
in the United States
. In 2010, its population was 12,330. Its county seat
is Heathsville
. The county is located on the Northern Neck
peninsula and is part of the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA
winemaking appellation
.
in 1648 during a period of rapid population growth and geographic expansion. Settlement began in this area of the Northern Neck
around 1635. Originally known as the Indian district Chickacoan, the first appearance of the name Northumberland in the colonial records was in 1644. The following year, John Mottrom
served as the first burgess for the territory in the House of Burgesses
, which met at the capital of the Virginia Colony at Jamestown
.
The size of the county was drastically reduced in 1651 and 1653 as Lancaster County
and Westmoreland County
, respectively, were carved out of it.
Of the 172 counties that have ever existed in Virginia's history, Northumberland ended up being an "ancestor" of 116 of these –– more than the current 95 counties (several having been lost to other states).
, the county has a total area of 286 square miles (740 km²), of which 192 square miles (498 km²) is land and 93 square miles (242 km²) (32.68%) is water. The county is located between the Rappahannock River
and Potomac River
.
of 2000, there were 12,259 people, 5,470 households, and 3,785 families residing in the county. The population density
was 64 people per square mile (25/km²). There were 8,057 housing units at an average density of 42 per square mile (16/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 72.18% White
, 26.58% Black
or African American
, 0.15% Native American
, 0.20% Asian
, 0.33% from other races
, and 0.56% from two or more races. 0.93% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 5,470 households out of which 20.11% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.30% were married couples
living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.80% were non-families. 27.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.70.
In the county, the population was spread out with 18.60% under the age of 18, 4.80% from 18 to 24, 20.20% from 25 to 44, 30.10% from 45 to 64, and 26.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females there were 91.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,129, and the median income for a family was $49,047. Males had a median income of $30,151 versus $24,116 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $22,917. 12.30% of the population and 8.10% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 17.00% are under the age of 18 and 10.70% are 65 or older.
There is no police department in the county. Instead, law enforcement is the responsibility of the county Sheriff
, who is a constitutional officer elected every four years. The Northumberland County Sheriff's Office is located in Heathsville.
Northumberland County has two courthouses; an antebellum
building constructed before the Civil War
and a new building constructed in the late 1990s behind the older structure. The county courts (Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court) and the Clerk of the Circuit Court, a constitutional officer, are located in the new building. The Commissioner of Revenue and the Treasurer, both constitutional officers, have offices in the older building.
Northumberland County is one of the few counties left in Virginia that has all volunteer emergency services. The county is served by two fire departments, Callao Volunteer Fire Department in Callao and Fairfields Volunteer Fire Department in Reedville. There are 3 rescue squads that serve the county, Callao Volunteer Rescue Squad in Callao, Mid-County Volunteer Rescue Squad in Heathsville and, Northumberland County Rescue Squad in Reedville. The county also has a water rescue service, Smith Point Sea Rescue.
is a small village in eastern Northumberland County on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Reedville is home to the Atlantic menhaden
fishing industry. It is named for Captain Elijah W. Reed
(1827-1888), who is credited with bringing the menhaden fishing industry and the tremendous wealth that resulted from it to Reedville –– and Northumberland County in general.
Years ago, dozens of fish-processing factories, most recently Omega Protein Corporation (successor to Zapata Haynie, Reedville Oil and Guano Company and Haynie Products Company) and Standard Products Company, dotted the Northumberland coastline near Reedville and adjacent fishing communities.
Today, Omega Protein remains the largest industrial organization in the area. Omega, with a fleet of large oceangoing fish-harvesting vessels, supported by a number of spotter aircraft, is a major industry in the area and on the eastern seaboard. Menhaden, once caught, are cooked in large mass and processed for further use in various applications including as a protein additive for poultry feed.
Located at the eastern terminus of U.S. Route 360
, Reedville is a popular place to begin fishing charters and trips to Tangier Island in the Bay. Reedville also is a tourist destination itself, steeped in the history of the menhaden fishing industry. The Millionaire's Row of Victorian Era
mansions and several watercraft of the Fishermen's Museum
are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
.
Northern Neck
The Northern Neck is the northernmost of three peninsulas on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This peninsula is bounded by the Potomac River on the north and the Rappahannock River on the south. It encompasses the following Virginia counties: Lancaster,...
in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. In 2010, its population was 12,330. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Heathsville
Heathsville, Virginia
Heathsville is a census-designated place in and the county seat of Northumberland County, Virginia, United States. The population as of the 2010 Census was 142. It is located on U.S. Route 360 west of Reedville and east of Warsaw....
. The county is located on the Northern Neck
Northern Neck
The Northern Neck is the northernmost of three peninsulas on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This peninsula is bounded by the Potomac River on the north and the Rappahannock River on the south. It encompasses the following Virginia counties: Lancaster,...
peninsula and is part of the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA
Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA
The Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA is an American Viticultural Area in eastern portion of the state of Virginia. Wines made from grapes grown in Westmoreland, King George, Northumberland, Lancaster, and Richmond counties may use this appellation...
winemaking appellation
Appellation
An appellation is a legally defined and protected geographical indication used to identify where the grapes for a wine were grown; other types of food often have appellations as well...
.
History
The county was created by the Virginia General AssemblyVirginia General Assembly
The Virginia General Assembly is the legislative body of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, established on July 30, 1619. The General Assembly is a bicameral body consisting of a lower house, the Virginia House of Delegates, with 100 members,...
in 1648 during a period of rapid population growth and geographic expansion. Settlement began in this area of the Northern Neck
Northern Neck
The Northern Neck is the northernmost of three peninsulas on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This peninsula is bounded by the Potomac River on the north and the Rappahannock River on the south. It encompasses the following Virginia counties: Lancaster,...
around 1635. Originally known as the Indian district Chickacoan, the first appearance of the name Northumberland in the colonial records was in 1644. The following year, John Mottrom
John Mottrom
John Mottrom , or Mottram, was one of the first, if not the first, white settlers in the Northern Neck region of Virginia between 1635 and 1640.-Political career:...
served as the first burgess for the territory in the House of Burgesses
House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses was the first assembly of elected representatives of English colonists in North America. The House was established by the Virginia Company, who created the body as part of an effort to encourage English craftsmen to settle in North America...
, which met at the capital of the Virginia Colony at Jamestown
Jamestown, Virginia
Jamestown was a settlement in the Colony of Virginia. Established by the Virginia Company of London as "James Fort" on May 14, 1607 , it was the first permanent English settlement in what is now the United States, following several earlier failed attempts, including the Lost Colony of Roanoke...
.
The size of the county was drastically reduced in 1651 and 1653 as Lancaster County
Lancaster County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 11,567 people, 5,004 households, and 3,412 families residing in the county. The population density was 87 people per square mile . There were 6,498 housing units at an average density of 49 per square mile...
and Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,718 people, 6,846 households, and 4,689 families residing in the county. The population density was . There were 9,286 housing units at an average density of...
, respectively, were carved out of it.
Of the 172 counties that have ever existed in Virginia's history, Northumberland ended up being an "ancestor" of 116 of these –– more than the current 95 counties (several having been lost to other states).
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 286 square miles (740 km²), of which 192 square miles (498 km²) is land and 93 square miles (242 km²) (32.68%) is water. The county is located between the Rappahannock River
Rappahannock River
The Rappahannock River is a river in eastern Virginia, in the United States, approximately in length. It traverses the entire northern part of the state, from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west, across the Piedmont, to the Chesapeake Bay, south of the Potomac River.An important river in American...
and Potomac River
Potomac River
The Potomac River flows into the Chesapeake Bay, located along the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States. The river is approximately long, with a drainage area of about 14,700 square miles...
.
Adjacent Counties
- Lancaster CountyLancaster County, VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 11,567 people, 5,004 households, and 3,412 families residing in the county. The population density was 87 people per square mile . There were 6,498 housing units at an average density of 49 per square mile...
- south - Richmond CountyRichmond County, VirginiaRichmond County is a county located on the Northern Neck in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a state in the United States. As of 2010, the population was 9,254. Its county seat is Warsaw. The rural county should not be confused with the large city and state capital Richmond, Virginia, which is over...
-southwest - Westmoreland CountyWestmoreland County, VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 16,718 people, 6,846 households, and 4,689 families residing in the county. The population density was . There were 9,286 housing units at an average density of...
- northwest
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 12,259 people, 5,470 households, and 3,785 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 64 people per square mile (25/km²). There were 8,057 housing units at an average density of 42 per square mile (16/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 72.18% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 26.58% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.15% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.20% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.33% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.56% from two or more races. 0.93% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 5,470 households out of which 20.11% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.30% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.80% were non-families. 27.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.70.
In the county, the population was spread out with 18.60% under the age of 18, 4.80% from 18 to 24, 20.20% from 25 to 44, 30.10% from 45 to 64, and 26.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females there were 91.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,129, and the median income for a family was $49,047. Males had a median income of $30,151 versus $24,116 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $22,917. 12.30% of the population and 8.10% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 17.00% are under the age of 18 and 10.70% are 65 or older.
Government, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Services
The county is governed by a Board of Supervisors, who are elected every four years from each of the five districts.There is no police department in the county. Instead, law enforcement is the responsibility of the county Sheriff
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
, who is a constitutional officer elected every four years. The Northumberland County Sheriff's Office is located in Heathsville.
Northumberland County has two courthouses; an antebellum
Antebellum architecture
Antebellum architecture is a term used to describe the characteristic neoclassical architectural style of the Southern United States, especially the Old South, from after the birth of the United States in the American Revolution, to the start of the American Civil War...
building constructed before the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
and a new building constructed in the late 1990s behind the older structure. The county courts (Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court) and the Clerk of the Circuit Court, a constitutional officer, are located in the new building. The Commissioner of Revenue and the Treasurer, both constitutional officers, have offices in the older building.
Northumberland County is one of the few counties left in Virginia that has all volunteer emergency services. The county is served by two fire departments, Callao Volunteer Fire Department in Callao and Fairfields Volunteer Fire Department in Reedville. There are 3 rescue squads that serve the county, Callao Volunteer Rescue Squad in Callao, Mid-County Volunteer Rescue Squad in Heathsville and, Northumberland County Rescue Squad in Reedville. The county also has a water rescue service, Smith Point Sea Rescue.
Reedville, menhaden fishing industry
ReedvilleReedville, Virginia
Reedville is an unincorporated town in Northumberland County in the Northern Neck region of the U.S. state of Virginia. It is located at the eastern terminus of U.S...
is a small village in eastern Northumberland County on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Reedville is home to the Atlantic menhaden
Menhaden
Menhaden, also known as mossbunker, bunker and pogy, are forage fish of the genera Brevoortia and Ethmidium, two genera of marine fish in the family Clupeidae.-Description:...
fishing industry. It is named for Captain Elijah W. Reed
Elijah W. Reed
Elijah W. Reed was a ship captain from Brooklin, Maine who is credited with establishment of the menhaden fishing industry in Virginia's Northern Neck region....
(1827-1888), who is credited with bringing the menhaden fishing industry and the tremendous wealth that resulted from it to Reedville –– and Northumberland County in general.
Years ago, dozens of fish-processing factories, most recently Omega Protein Corporation (successor to Zapata Haynie, Reedville Oil and Guano Company and Haynie Products Company) and Standard Products Company, dotted the Northumberland coastline near Reedville and adjacent fishing communities.
Today, Omega Protein remains the largest industrial organization in the area. Omega, with a fleet of large oceangoing fish-harvesting vessels, supported by a number of spotter aircraft, is a major industry in the area and on the eastern seaboard. Menhaden, once caught, are cooked in large mass and processed for further use in various applications including as a protein additive for poultry feed.
Located at the eastern terminus of U.S. Route 360
U.S. Route 360
U.S. Route 360 is a spur of US 60 in the U.S. state of Virginia. The U.S. Highway runs from US 58 Business, Virginia State Route 293, and SR 360 in Danville east to SR 644 in Reedville. US 360 connects Danville, South Boston, and Keysville in Southside Virginia with the state capital of...
, Reedville is a popular place to begin fishing charters and trips to Tangier Island in the Bay. Reedville also is a tourist destination itself, steeped in the history of the menhaden fishing industry. The Millionaire's Row of Victorian Era
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
mansions and several watercraft of the Fishermen's Museum
Reedville Fisherman's Museum
Reedville Fisherman's Museum is located in the unincorporated town of Reedville along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Northumberland County, Virginia....
are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
.
Town
- KilmarnockKilmarnock, VirginiaKilmarnock is a town in Lancaster and Northumberland counties in the U.S. state of Virginia. The population was 1,244 at the 2000 census. It is located near the mouth of the Rappahannock River and is located within the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace American Viticultural Area winemaking...
in Lancaster CountyLancaster County, VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 11,567 people, 5,004 households, and 3,412 families residing in the county. The population density was 87 people per square mile . There were 6,498 housing units at an average density of 49 per square mile...
extends into southeastern Northumberland County.
Unincorporated communities
|
Fleeton, Virginia Fleeton is an unincorporated community in Northumberland County, in the U.S. state of Virginia. It is located at the mouth of the Great Wicomico River.-Reference:... Heathsville, Virginia Heathsville is a census-designated place in and the county seat of Northumberland County, Virginia, United States. The population as of the 2010 Census was 142. It is located on U.S. Route 360 west of Reedville and east of Warsaw.... Lake, Virginia Lake is an unincorporated community in Northumberland County, Virginia, United States. Lake is situated along the Coan River, a tidal tributary of the Potomac River.... |
Lottsburg, Virginia Lottsburg is an unincorporated community in Northumberland County, in the U.S. state of Virginia.-Reference:... Reedville, Virginia Reedville is an unincorporated town in Northumberland County in the Northern Neck region of the U.S. state of Virginia. It is located at the eastern terminus of U.S... Wicomico Church, Virginia Wicomico Church is an unincorporated community in Northumberland County, in the U.S. state of Virginia.-Reference:... |