Culls, Virginia facts for kids

Culls is a small, unincorporated community located in Northampton County, Virginia, in the United States. An unincorporated community means it's a place where people live together, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's governed by the county. Culls is known for its quiet, rural setting on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a group of homes or buildings that are not part of an official city or town. These areas are usually governed by a larger local authority, like a county. For example, Culls is governed by Northampton County. This means the county provides services like roads, police, and schools for the people living in Culls.

How Communities Grow

Communities like Culls often grow over time as people settle in an area. They might start as small farming settlements or fishing villages. Over many years, more people might move there, but the area might never officially become a town or city. This can happen for many reasons, such as the population not growing large enough or residents preferring to stay under county governance.

Life in Culls

Life in Culls is typical of many small communities on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The area is mostly rural, with lots of open spaces and natural beauty. Residents often enjoy a peaceful lifestyle away from busy cities. The economy in this region has historically been linked to farming and fishing, which are still important parts of the local culture.

Geography of Northampton County

Culls is situated within Northampton County, which is at the southern tip of Virginia's Delmarva Peninsula. This peninsula is a long strip of land bordered by the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Northampton County is known for its beautiful coastline, rich farmlands, and important natural habitats.

Natural Features of the Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore of Virginia, where Culls is located, is famous for its unique geography. It has many bays, inlets, and marshlands. These areas are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many types of birds and fish. The natural environment plays a big role in the lifestyle and economy of the communities here.

Important Waterways

The Chesapeake Bay is a very important waterway for Northampton County. It provides opportunities for fishing, crabbing, and boating. The bay also influences the local climate and supports a diverse ecosystem. Many small communities like Culls are located near these waterways, which have shaped their history and development.

History of the Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore of Virginia has a long and interesting history. Native American tribes lived here for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. English colonists began settling in the area in the early 17th century, making it one of the oldest settled parts of Virginia.

Early Settlements

The first European settlements on the Eastern Shore were established in the 1620s. These early settlers were often farmers who grew crops like tobacco. They also relied on the rich natural resources of the bay and ocean for food. Over time, small communities and plantations developed across the county.

Development Over Time

As the centuries passed, the Eastern Shore continued to develop. Transportation, like ferries and later bridges, helped connect the area to the rest of Virginia. While some areas grew into towns, others, like Culls, remained smaller, unincorporated communities, keeping their quiet, rural character.