Factory Point, Virginia facts for kids
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Factory Point is a piece of land that sticks out into the water. It's like a finger of land that separates the Back River from the big Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. Think of it as a natural barrier!
What is Factory Point?
Factory Point is a type of landform called a peninsula. A peninsula is land that is mostly surrounded by water but is still connected to the mainland on one side. This special spot is located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It acts as a natural wall between the Back River and the Chesapeake Bay.
Why is Factory Point Important?
Factory Point is very important because it helps protect the land behind it. It acts like a shield against big waves coming from the Chesapeake Bay. These waves can be very strong, especially during storms. By taking the hit from these waves, Factory Point helps keep thousands of homes along the Back River safe from flooding and damage. It's a natural protector for the area!
The Story of Erosion and Rebuilding
Over the years, Factory Point has faced challenges from nature. Strong storms, especially ones called nor'easters, have caused the land to wear away, a process known as erosion.
In 1998, a big storm washed away a narrow strip of sand. This sandy strip, called a spit, used to connect Factory Point to the Grand View Nature Preserve. When the spit disappeared, Factory Point became a small island, completely surrounded by water.
But people worked hard to fix it! In the spring of 2010, the peninsula was rebuilt. New sand was brought in, and the connection to the mainland was restored. This project helped make Factory Point strong again, so it could continue protecting the homes nearby. You can read more about it in this newspaper article.
