Gloucester County, Virginia

History The history of Gloucester County began soon after the settlement of Jamestown in 1607. Named for Henry, Duke of Gloucester, third son of Charles I, Gloucester County figured prominently in the history of the colony and the Commonwealth of Virginia. When English settlers arrived at Jamestown in 1607, the Indian stronghold of Chief Powhatan was located on the north side of the river in Gloucester. It was here that Powhatan built his home, Werowocomoco. According to legend, his daughter, the Princess Pocahontas saved the gallant Captain John Smith[?] from death at the hands of the Indians, and thus, entered the pages of Virginia's history.

Early land patents were granted in 1639, but it was not until after 1644 that Gloucester was considered safe for settlement. George Washington's great grandfather received a Gloucester County land patent in 1650. Gloucester County was formed from York County in 1651, and consisted of four parishes: Abingdon, Kingston, Petsworth and Ware. Kingston parish became Mathews County[?] in 1791.

In the 1600's and 1700's, Gloucester was a tobacco producing area, and many old plantation homes and magnificent private estates remain today in perfect condition. From time to time, these establishments are open to public visitation during Historic Garden Week. In addition, there are fine examples of Colonial architecture in the churches of Ware (1690) and Abingdon (1755), and some early buildings remain at the county seat on the Courthouse Green actively serving the public.

In the seventeenth century, the tip of land protruding into the York River[?], across from Yorktown, was named Tyndall's Point by Robert Tyndall[?], mapmaker for Captain John Smith[?]. Later named Gloucester Point, fortifications were built here in 1667, and were rebuilt and strengthened may times from colonial days through the American Civil War. This site is also known as the "Second Surrender" by General Charles Lord Cornwallis[?] to General George Washington at Yorktown.

Following English settlement, Gloucester became home to many colonial leaders. Several other points of interest include Warner Hall[?], George Washington's maternal grandmother's home which is still an active residence; Rosewell, where Thomas Jefferson spent many nights with his friend John Page; and both Washington and Jefferson worshiped (often at the same service) at Abingdon Episcopal Church. Other notable Gloucestonians include John Buckner[?], who in 1680 brought the colony its first printing press; John Clayton[?], world renowned botanist; Dr. Walter Reed[?], conqueror of yellow fever; Lawyer T. C. Walker[?], though born in slavery, broke those chains and became a respected and successful businessman; and Robert R. Moton[?], who successfully lobbied for a Black man to be appointed as an assistant to the Secretary of War.

The history of the daffodil in Gloucester County, Virginia is almost as old as the county itself. When Gloucester was formed in 1651 from part of York County the early settlers brought these soft reminders of English springs as they established themselves in the area. The soil and weather conditions were ideal for daffodils. The bulbs were passed from neighbor to neighbor and spread from the orderly beds and burying grounds of the great houses to the fields. Some, such as the hardy Trumpet Major variety, seemed to thrive on neglect. By the beginning of the 20th century daffodils grew wild in the untended fields of Gloucester. It is from this abundance of natural beauty that grew the extensive daffodil industry which earned the county the title "Daffodil Capital of America" in the 1930's and 40's.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 746 km² (288 mi²). 561 km² (217 mi²) of it is land and 185 km² (71 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 24.79% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 34,780 people, 13,127 households, and 9,884 families residing in the county. The population density is 62/km² (161/mi²). There are 14,494 housing units at an average density of 26/km² (67/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 86.68% White, 10.31% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 1.45% from two or more races. 1.61% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 13,127 households out of which 35.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.40% are married couples living together, 9.90% have a female householder with no husband present, and 24.70% are non-families. 20.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.62 and the average family size is 3.02.

In the county, the population is spread out with 26.20% under the age of 18, 6.80% from 18 to 24, 30.40% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 11.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $45,421, and the median income for a family is $51,426. Males have a median income of $35,838 versus $24,325 for females. The per capita income for the county is $19,990. 7.70% of the population and 6.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.70% are under the age of 18 and 8.50% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Gloucester Courthouse
• Gloucester Point