Middle Peninsula facts for kids
The Middle Peninsula is a special area in Virginia, United States. It's one of three big pieces of land that stick out into the Chesapeake Bay. Imagine it like a finger pointing into the water! This peninsula is located between two other similar land areas: the Northern Neck to the north and the Virginia Peninsula to the south.
To its north, you'll find the Rappahannock River. To its south, there's the York River. And to the east, it meets the wide open Chesapeake Bay. Six counties make up the Middle Peninsula: Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Mathews, and Middlesex. Long ago, during the colonial era, this area was known for its tobacco farms. Today, the Middle Peninsula is a peaceful, rural place. People here often grow vegetables for sale (called truck-farming) and work in the fishing industry.
Contents
Life on the Middle Peninsula
The Middle Peninsula is mostly quiet and rural. You won't find any big cities here, and there isn't much heavy industry. However, there are some interesting towns and communities.
Towns and Communities
- West Point is a town known for its pulp-and-paper mill. This mill makes paper products from wood.
- Deltaville is a popular spot for people who love boating. Many visitors from cities come here on weekends to enjoy the bay.
- Tappahannock is a busy community located right on the Rappahannock River.
- Urbanna is a smaller town that has a growing tourism business. People visit for its charm and waterfront.
Native American Tribes
The Middle Peninsula is also home to two small land areas set aside for Native American tribes. These are the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Indian tribes. They are recognized by the state of Virginia.
Getting Around the Peninsula
Before modern roads, people traveled around the Chesapeake Bay using passenger ferries and steam freighters. Today, highways make it much easier to get around.
Main Highways
- U.S. Route 17 (also called Tidewater Trail) connects the city of Fredericksburg with the Hampton Roads area.
- U.S. Route 360 (known as Northumberland Highway) links the Northern Neck to Richmond and Danville.
Connections to Other Areas
The two counties farthest south on the Middle Peninsula, Gloucester and Mathews, are now considered part of the larger Hampton Roads area. Gloucester County is connected to the Virginia Peninsula by the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge. This bridge crosses the York River. The western counties, King William and King and Queen, are part of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area. This means they are connected to the larger Richmond city area.
See also
In Spanish: Península Middle para niños
