Education & Outreach
Focus on Coastal Towns
Gloucester: A Bay Town Steeped in American History
Nestled in the historic Tidewater region at the southern tip of the Middle Peninsula, the town of Gloucester has played significant roles in Virginia history from its earliest days of settlement. Tucked between the York River to the south and the Chesapeake Bay to the east, Gloucester was first home to nomadic Indians before the arrival of the English in the early 17th century. Chief Powhatan established his stronghold on the northern side of the York River, and legend states that Pocahontas saved Captain John Smith from his captors in the Gloucester area.
Settled by the English around 1610, Gloucester derived its name from Henry, Duke of Gloucester, third son of King Charles I. The town is home to beautiful sprawling estates and plantation homes, testimony to the region’s thriving tobacco industry during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Boasting an impressive number of shoreline miles with proximity to five rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, Gloucester became an ideal hub for trade and shipping, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rapid growth of the steamship industry. Residents flocked to this coastal area to profit from the new steamship lines running between West Point, Baltimore, and Norfolk. Fishing, seafood harvesting, and transportation became important area industries. To serve the expanding population, country stores and post offices sprouted up along the rivers and were quite profitable. Today, visitors can travel back in time and enjoy a taste of the past on the Gloucester County Country Stores and Rural Post Offices Driving Tour. A dozen sites, some like the Arthur Tab Store dating to 1875 that are still open and operating, will make a trip to Gloucester a memorable experience.
Along historic Main Street are old commercial buildings, such as the Botetourt Hotel, dating to 1769. Originally a roadside tavern and later a colonial hostelry, the Botetourt housed government offices in the late 1970s before becoming the Gloucester Museum of History in 2000. Just across Main Street lies the Court House Historic District, an impressive, circular complex comprised of the 1766 colonial courthouse, the green, and the old debtor’s jail. Each April, thousands gather along Main Street to watch the annual Daffodil Festival Parade, which celebrates the arrival of the first English colonists, who brought the yellow flowers as reminders of springtime. Visitors can also enjoy the town’s antique stores and eateries year round.
About 15 minutes away at the tip of the peninsula is the Gloucester Point Archaeological Historic District, which celebrates the point’s role in protecting critical waterways during wartime. The remnants of three separate fortifications, built between 1667 and 1862, are certain to engage and delight visitors who have a passion for history.
Other attractions include the York River Yacht Haven, a designated Virginia Clean Marina that works with boat owners in environmental management and pollution prevention efforts. The marina is part of the oyster heritage program. At the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, travelers can stop at the Watermen’s Hall Visitor Center to learn more about the marine environment and current research. Public tours are scheduled on Fridays throughout the summer. To make an appointment, contact the institute at (804) 684-7000.
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The Court House Historic District, an impressive, circular complex, is comprised of the 1766 colonial courthouse, the green, and the old debtor’s jail.
Visitors enjoy a taste of the past on the Gloucester County Country Stores and Rural Post Offices Driving Tour.
In historic Gloucester, visitors combine tours of the historic sites with browsing in town's antique shops and dining at various restaurants.
At the annual Daffodil Festival Parade, everyone gets into the swing of spring.
As part of the Virginia Clean Marina Program, boat owners are involved in environmental management and pollution prevention efforts.