Laban, Virginia facts for kids

Laban is a small place in Mathews County, Virginia, in the United States. It's called an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that aren't part of an official city or town government. Instead, it's managed by the county government.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is like a neighborhood or a small village that doesn't have its own separate government. It doesn't have a mayor or a town council just for Laban. Instead, the people who live there follow the rules and get services from the larger Mathews County government. This is different from a city or town, which has its own local government to make decisions and provide services like police, fire, and schools.

How Unincorporated Communities are Governed

In places like Laban, the county government handles many things. This includes things like roads, public safety, and sometimes even schools. People living in unincorporated areas still pay taxes, but those taxes go to the county instead of a specific town or city. This setup is common in many parts of the United States, especially in rural or less populated areas.

Laban's Location in Mathews County

Laban is located in Mathews County, which is on the eastern coast of Virginia. Mathews County is known for its beautiful waterways and quiet, rural feel. It's often called the "Pearl of the Chesapeake Bay" because it's surrounded by water on three sides.

Geography and Environment

Mathews County, where Laban is found, is a peninsula. This means it's a piece of land almost completely surrounded by water. It has many creeks, rivers, and parts of the Chesapeake Bay. The area is mostly flat, with lots of forests and wetlands. This makes it a great place for nature lovers and for activities like fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The climate is generally mild, with warm summers and cool winters.

Life in Mathews County

Life in Mathews County, including areas like Laban, is often peaceful and community-focused. Many people enjoy the outdoors and the slower pace of life compared to big cities. The county has local schools, small businesses, and community events that bring people together. While Laban itself is small, it's part of this larger, friendly county.

History of the Area

The area around Laban and Mathews County has a long history. Native American tribes lived here for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. Later, during the colonial period, the region became important for farming and fishing. Many small communities like Laban grew up around these activities. Over time, these communities kept their unique character, even as the county developed.

Early Settlements and Development

The land that is now Mathews County was first settled by Europeans in the 17th century. It was originally part of Gloucester County before becoming its own county in 1791. Small communities and crossroads, often named after local families or landmarks, developed to serve the needs of farmers and watermen. Laban is one such community that has been a part of this historical development.