Surry County Virginia

Surry County Virginia. Experience rural Virginia from south of the James.. Welcome to the … Surry Side! Beginning in 1607, Jamestown settlers affectionately called the opposite shore of the James River the "Surrey Side" to honor their homeland.. The Jamestown colony was perceived as a miniature London, because it lay on both sides of the James River as London lies on the Thames. The section of London south of the Thames is in the shire of Surrey, so settlements on the south side of the James River were referenced as "over on the Surrey side". The name "Surry" was retained when the county was chartered in 1652., Smith's Fort Plantation Built between 1751 and 1765, the story-and-a-half brick house is laid in Flemish bond and was home to Jacob Faulono and his family. You can also see the ruins of the fort initiated by Captain John Smith in 1609. This dower tract of land was given to John Rolfe by Chief Powhatan in 1614 upon Rolfe's marriage to Pocahontas. Gift Shop - Tours Seasonal operations (757) 294-3872 Thomas Rolfe Branch Preservation Virginia 217 Smith Fort Lane Surry, VA 23883, Chippokes Plantation State Park Chippokes ranks among the oldest working farms in the nation, and retains its original 1619 boundary. Preserved as a 1,683 acre State Park overlooking the James River, it features two 19th century manor houses, formal gardens, and dependencies. Attractions include swimming complex, visitor center, picnic facilities, and horseback/hiking/biking., Facilities open seasonally - Grounds open daily - Gift Shop 695 Chippokes Park Road Surry, VA 23883 (757) 294-3625, Bacon's Castle The Castle, or Arthur Allen's Brick House, (named after Arthur Allen, who built the structure in 1665) is the only surviving example of Jacobean architecture in North America, and the oldest existing brick dwelling in Virginia. Its name is derived from the fortified role it played in Bacon's Rebellion. The 17th century garden may be the earliest found in North America. Operated by Preservation Virginia - (Gift Shop) 465 Bacon's Castle Trail (Rt. 617) Surry, VA 23883 (757) 357-5976, Surry County is bordered by the James River, a gem that offers abundant recreation for boaters, fishermen, and all wildlife enthusiasts., Hog Island Wildlife Management Area is a mixture of 3,908 acres of flat open land and pine forests interspersed with tidal marshes and controlled ponds. Maintained by the State of Virginia, it's ideal for bird watching, fishing, hiking, or scheduled game hunts. (757 357-5224, Dominion Surry Nuclear Power Center 5570 Hog Island Road Surry, VA 23883 (7577) 357-5410. Surry nuclear Information Center offers displays, interactive exhibits, films, brochures at the visitor's center. Energy educators help you understand how energy powers our world and why nuclear energy is important to all of us. Informative guided tours are available., Surry County Visitors Center (inside the Old Clerk's Office) 267 Church Street Surrey, VA 23883. The Oldest Buildings in Surry Courthouse The Old Clerk's Office - circa 1825 The Old Academy - circa 1840, Surry County Courthouse 28 Colonial Trail East Surry, VA 23883. Surry County is unique in the South to have preserved and protected original county records that were established in 1652, avoiding destruction from the British in the American Revolution and the Union Army during the Civil War. Records are available to the public on a "self-serve basis" during regular office hours (Monday through Friday, 9-5). Contact the office at (757) 294-3161, Be advised: There is no staff to assist with genealogical research. Selected records have been microfilmed by the Library of Virginia and are available as microfilmed copies from this office. Some records are on the scanning system and other records are available only through a designation in specific registries such as births, marriages, and deaths. The Surry County Historical Society has some copies to assist you., Surry County Historical Society and Museum Uncover Surry's history and learn about places and projects in the county, including Claremont, Dennis Corner, Lorena Leath, and Rogers' Store. (757) 294-0404 281 Bank St Surry, VA 23883, Dendron Historical Society and Museum The museum brings to life the uniqueness of the Town of Dendron, a thriving lumber mill and railroad system until the 1930s. Open the second full weekend each month 2pm to 5pm - Free Admission 281 Bank St. Dendron, VA 23839 (757) 267-2508, Rogers' Store Historic Site Roger's Store, circa 1897, is a museum highlighting rural life in Surry County. (Only open by appointment) Contact the Surry County Historical Society for information. (757) 294-0404, Edwards Virginia Ham Shoppe S. Wallace Edwards and Sons, Inc. (757) 294-3688 Authentic Southern smoked meats and dessert specialties 11381 Rolve Highway Surry, VA 23883, Gray's Creek Marina/Surry Seafood Company Restaurant (757) 2944-3336 633 Marina Drive Surry, VA 23883 The Marina offers a boat launch with piers. The Surry Seafood Company presents fine waterfront dining complemented by a spectacular vista. Overnight accommodations are available., Surry County's James River shoreline is part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.