Gloucester County
Situated on the Middle Peninsula, Gloucester County is located between the York River and Mobjack Bay. Although Gloucester was developed primarily as a region dedicated to tobacco plantations, it is now rich in farmland and boasts a major fishing industry.
Newest Listings in Gloucester County
History
Like many areas of Virginia, Gloucester has a deep history that begins just after Jamestown was settled in 1607. There are many landmarks and historical sites to be visited, such as Powhatan’s Chimney and the battlefields from the American Revolution and Civil War. Gloucester had an especially pivotal role during the American Revolution. More specifically, Tyndall’s Point was the site of the “Second Surrender” when British troops surrendered to American forces in 1781 during the siege of Yorktown. The fort at Tyndall’s Point was later rebuilt during the Civil War and is the site of the first shot fired in Virginia.
Lifestyle
If you’d like to get a taste of the area’s history while also doing some shopping, Gloucester Main Street is the perfect place to go. The courthouse, which dates back to the late 1600s, combined with the locally owned boutiques and restaurants creates a picturesque streetscape within Gloucester Village. As the heart and soul of Gloucester County, this is not an area to be missed out on.
Approximately 4 miles southeast of Gloucester Village lies Ware Neck. Whether you are looking for a second home or simply passing through, this is a beautiful area to see and is scattered with handsome homes and estates. If you venture back down to the southernmost part of Gloucester County, you will find the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) located on Gloucester Point. VIMS offers a number of guided tours to the public during the summer months as well as several other educational programs year round. These are great opportunities for adults and children to learn about the Chesapeake Bay and its ecosystem.
Access and Water
Because Gloucester is so easily accessible via I-64 and the Chesapeake Bay, it is an especially popular second home community for many Richmonders. Both the York River and Mobjack Bay handle larger crafts easily, so if your enjoyment of the water involves serious boating, Gloucester County is bound to be a favorite.
Driving distance from:
- Richmond – 59 miles (1 hour)
- Washington, DC – 160 miles (3 hours)
- Norfolk – 50 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)
