Lancaster County Virginia was established in 1651, and was originally part of Northumberland and York Counties. The County is bordered on one side by the mouth of the Rappahannock River and on the other by the Chesapeake Bay. Captain John Smith journeyed to Lancaster County by boat in the early 1600s and landed there to replenish supplies. The County has many historic estates, waterfront estates, farms, and farmettes, some which date to the Colonial or Civil War era.
Famous Americans from Lancaster County, Virginia
Mary Ball Washington was born in Lancaster County, Virginia. She was born eight miles from the site of the present day Mary Ball Washington Museum in Lancaster, Virginia. The mother of our country later resided in New Kent County, Virginia, and then with the father of our country, George Washington, at Mount Vernon.
Waterfront Estates, Country Estates, and Historic Property, in Lancaster County
For the discriminating homebuyer, with some nostalgia for the past and a yearning for a quieter, simpler life, Lancaster County offers a wide variety of homes for purchase. The home buyer interested in country estates, historic property, farms and farmettes will find Lancaster County is a great place to look. Waterfront homes and/or homes in waterfront communities are beginning to be developed in Lancaster County. Some of these waterfront properties offer docks with deepwater access nearby. Some waterfront communities provide marinas and dry boat docking within the community.
Seafood Restaurants in Lancaster County, Virginia
There are a wide selection of locally owned restaurants in Kilmarnock, Virginia. Cap'n Reds Seafood Market, Rappahannock Seafood Market, Rose's Crab House and Raw Bar, the Dockside Restaurant, and Kelley's Seafood are all excellent choices for the catch of the season. In nearby Irvington, Abbott Brothers, Kellum W. Ellery, and The Tides are great seafood restaurants with fresh local catches.
Historical Landmarks in Lancaster County
Mary Ball Washington Museum was named for the mother of George Washington born in Lancaster Co. Extensive library and genealogical research material dating to 1651.Tour the historic buildings, view exhibits, participate in educational programs and trace family histories. The five building complex includes the Old Jail (1820), Clerk's Office (c. 1797), Lancaster House and Stuart Blakemore Bldg (c.1900). Located in the Lancaster Courthouse Historic District. Fun and educational exhibits are on display covering 350 years of history in Lancaster County. Located across the street from Lancaster Tavern. Christ Church, an Episcopal Church in Lancaster, was first built in 1670. It was redesigned in detailed brickwork and opened in 1735.
Lancaster County Marinas
The avid boater will find many excellent choices for marinas in the areas of Weems and Irvington, and Lacaster. Carter's Cove Marina is in Weems, and they offer a "well protected, deepwater marina with full length finger piers." The brand new boathouse has sewage pump outs for each slip. The Tides Marinas in Irvington is located on Carters Creek, about 9 miles from the Inter Coastal Waterway. The Tides won Best of the Bay by Chesapeake Magazine. In Lancaster, Virginia, sailboaters will find the Yankee Point Sailboat Marina a perfect place to stop and relax with a beverage, do some laundry, use the swimming pool, or relax.
Lancaster County Wineries
White Fences Vineyard and Winery in Irvington Virginia is the place where locals and visitors celebrate the Irvington Stomp each year at harvest time. White Fences Vineyard has a tasting room and a gift shop and is open every day except Tuesday and Wednesday, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Lancaster County Outdoor Activities
Lancaster County is a flat piece of land surrounded by water on two sides. With the Rappahannock River to the south and west and the Chesapeake Bay to the East, the County offers rural charm near the Bay. Cycling has been popular in the county since the invention of the bicycle, and this remains so even today. Boating, fishing, golf, and hiking are popular activities as well.
Belle Isle State Park
Belle Isle State Park was purchased by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation in 1992. It was purchased by John Bertrand, a Hugenot, in 1692 and was operated as a plantations throughout the 19th Century. Belle Isle State Park just opened 30 new campsites, with electric hookups, in 2007. The Park is situated close to Litwalton and Nuttsville and can be accessed by the free ferry stop by taking 354 or 622. The overnight facilities include the Bel Air Mansion and the Bel Air Guest House.
Lancaster County Proximity to Major Cities
Lancaster County is only one and one half hours from the Washington D.C. metro area, making it the perfect place to retire, relocate, or purchase a second home. The County is also only one hour from Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg, all urban areas offering international airports, fine dining, culture, and recreation.
Lancaster County Public Schools
Lancaster County Public Schools consist of Lancaster High School, Lancaster Middle School, and Lancaster Primary School. The County also provides residents specialized schools: Lancaster Alternative School and the Chesapeake Bay Governor's School.
Lancaster County Private Schools
Chesapeake Academy in Irvington, Virginia provides a private school education for children grades one through eight. This coed school is non-sectarian, and has approximately 122 students enrolled.
Community Colleges
Rappahannock Community College serves Lancaster County with a campus across the Rappahannock River in Glenns, Virginia, and another just north of the County in Warsaw, Virginia. Full or part time college students working on a Bachelor's degree can easily commute to the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia.
Contemporary Lancaster County on the Chesapeake Bay
There are approximately 12,000 residents in Lancaster County, and the county is situated on 133 miles of land and 98 miles of water. Life in Contemporary Lancaster County Virginia is changing slowly. Between 2000 and 2004 there was a 4% increase in population. Gradually more people are retiring, relocating, or purchasing a second home in this scenic niche of Virginia. Because Lancaster County is close to the Chesapeake Bay, there are numerous waterfront properties available. The gradual development of Belle Isle State Park, the former site of a plantation, also makes Lancaster County appealing to new residents.
Please let me know how I may assist you in finding a waterfront estate, waterfront property, a farm, historic home, or country estate in Lancaster County, Virginia. Call 757-288-4685 to speak to me directly or email vonmor1@cox.net.
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