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History Buff Itinerary

Take our "Hams, History, Hospitality & HeART" Quiz

 

From its founding by Captain John Smith and other early settlers, through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, to the Cold War, Smithfield & Isle of Wight County can boast of their historic significance and therefore offer History Buffs such as yourself a wonderfully interesting variety of sites to visit. The area also offers historic reenactments and events throughout the year celebrating their rich, historic heritage.

 

For the full story of the area's history visit our "Historic Timeline" page.

 

 History Abounds in Smithfield & Isle of Wight County

 

Historic Main Street in downtown Smithfield, Virginia

 

Located on the banks of the Pagan River, and lying on the opposite shore of the James River, across from Jamestown, Isle of Wight was soon discovered by Captain John Smith and other early settlers. Established in 1634 as one of the original 8 shires of the Virginia Colony, Isle of Wight County, with its quaint towns of Windsor and Smithfield is rich in history.

 

Smithfield was incorporated in 1752 by Arthur Smith IV but soon became a town of industry with four plants devoted to the art of curing the world famous Smithfield Ham. Today, it hosts one of the largest meat-processing industries - Smithfield Foods Inc. - a Fortune 500 company with its corporate headquarters in Smithfield.

 

The Old Courthouse of 1750 served the county for almost 50 years and is currently owned and operated by the "APVA Preservation Virginia."

 

Day 1:

 

Begin your visit in downtown Smithfield at the Visitor Center where knowledgeable docents who can offer directions, brochures and additional information on the area's many sites, as well as our Walking Tour Map of the downtown district. The Visitor Center is also home to the Arts Center @ 319, so while there, take a moment to peruse the gallery/gift shop and chat with the Center's resident artists.

 

Further down Main Street is the Isle of Wight County Museum, with its overview of the county’s history and the world's oldest ham, an example of Smithfield’s famous ham curing process, as well as Native American artifacts and recreated turn-of-the-century country store.

 

The Isle of Wight County Museum exhibits include prehistoric fossils, Native American and Colonial artifacts, a country store and ham industry displays including our most notable artifact: the world’s oldest, edible cured ham. 

 

Next, enjoy a Walking Tour of the Historic Downtown District with over 50 historic buildings, including the Old Courthouse of 1750, modeled after the Capitol Building in Colonial Williamsburg, and the Schoolhouse Museum, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1932 to educate African-American children. Then enjoy lunch at the Ice Cream Parlor, a local favorite.

 

Afterwards head to Historic Saint Luke's Church (c1632), the oldest existing church of English foundation in America and the only surviving original brick Gothic church. If time, be sure to visit Darden’s Country Store, a classic country store, where visitors can tour the family’s smokehouse and farm. Finish your day with dinner at Smithfield Station, followed by one of our local concerts or events or a class at the Arts Center.

 

Historic Saint Luke's Church is one of the county's most popular attractions.

 

 

If the Civil War is of special interest visit the "Battle of Smithfield" page of our website for a detailed description of a battle that took place right in the heart of downtown Smithfield and stop by the Old Courthouse of 1750 to see the golden eagle, taken off the Union ship destroyed in the battle. The Ivy Hill Cemetery, located just outside the historic district boasts several Civil War graves and a memorial to the Confederate Soldiers.

 

Day 2:

 

Breakfast at the Gourmet Bakery & Beanery in downtown Smithfield, then visit Historic Fort Huger, the "Gateway to the Confederate Capital," which offers visitors a self-guided tour to view mounted cannon and the ghost fleet on the James River. A short drive takes you to Fort Boykin Historic Park, situated on the bluffs of the river, in a beautiful natural setting the fort was begun in 1623 to protect the colonists from the Indians and raiding Spaniards.

 

 

Historic Fort Huger was recently restored and offers visitors a self-guided tour of the fort with views of the beautiful James River and the ghost fleet.

 

Have lunch riverside at Captain Chuck-a-Muck’s in the village of Rescue. Then head to Boykin’s Tavern Museum, named after Major Francis Boykin who served with Patrick Henry and George Washington. A savvy businessman, his tavern was located next door to the land he donated for the Isle of Wight Courthouse of 1800 which is still in use today. This courthouse is a great source of genealogy as the county records were never disturbed or burned during the Civil War.

 

Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623 when it was constructed to protect the Jamestown colonists from Native Americans and raiding Spaniards. Atop a bluff overlooking the James River, the site’s commanding view makes it a keen observation point.

 

Head back into town to browse the unique shops and galleries of Smithfield’s historic district and be sure to stop at the Genuine Ham Shoppe! Finish your visit to Smithfield & Isle of Wight County with dinner at the historic Smithfield Inn. For dessert, stroll down to Lisa’s Sweet Shop on the boardwalk at the Smithfield Station and enjoy the sunset over the Pagan River.

 

 

All attractions listed are free with the exception of Historic St. Luke's Church which charges a nominal fee. Custom tours can be arranged. For further information or ideas to personalize your itinerary, contact the Visitor Center at (757) 357-5182, Toll Free at (800) 365-9339 or via email: smfdtour@isleofwightus.net.

 

 

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Smithfield & Isle of Wight CVB Staff:

Judy Hare Winslow, Director of Tourism

Lois Chapman, Marketing & Public Relations Manager

Cheryl Whitener, Visitor Center Manager

Terry Thompson, Event Coordinator

Kristin Wilda, Farmer's Market Manager

Join our email list to receive our Tour-E Newsletter listing of local events.

 

Smithfield & Isle of Wight CVB and the Isle of Wight Arts League are partially supported by funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.


 

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