Northern Neck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Northern Neck
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Region
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Map of Virginia with the Northern Neck region shown in red
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The Northern Neck is a special region in Virginia, USA. It is the northernmost of three "necks" or peninsulas on the western side of the Chesapeake Bay. The other two are the Middle Peninsula and the Virginia Peninsula.
This area is bordered by the Potomac River to the north and the Rappahannock River to the south. It includes four counties in Virginia: Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland. Sometimes, King George County is also considered part of the Northern Neck.
Contents
History of the Northern Neck
Early Exploration and Land Grants
The first European known to visit the Northern Neck was Captain John Smith. He traveled up the Rappahannock River in the winter of 1607–08. At that time, he was a prisoner of the Powhatan people.
In 1649, King Charles II of England created a large land grant called the Northern Neck. This grant included all the land between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. It stretched far inland, covering about 5 million acres. This area was much larger than what we call the Northern Neck today. The grant gave a special owner, called a proprietor, some independence from the main colonial government. This continued until the American Revolution.
Colonial Life and Society
Most of the early settlements grew on the eastern part of the peninsula. This was because the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers allowed ships to travel easily. The rich natural resources and independence helped wealthy landowners, called planters, grow. They started large plantations where they grew tobacco.
During the colonial period, the Northern Neck was sometimes called the "Athens of the New World." This was because many rich landowners living there valued learning, good manners, and helping their community. This wealthy society depended on the forced labor of Africans and African Americans who were enslaved. This led to a very structured society that was different from other parts of Virginia.
Important Events and Figures
In February 1766, 115 important citizens from the Northern Neck signed the Leedstown Resolutions. This happened in Leedstown, which was a busy port at the time. This was the first recorded protest against the Stamp Act, a tax imposed by the British. Leedstown is now part of Westmoreland County.
Many important historical figures were born in the Northern Neck. These include three U.S. presidents:
- George Washington (born in Westmoreland County)
- James Madison (born in Port Conway in King George County)
- James Monroe (born in Westmoreland County)
Other famous people from the Northern Neck include:
- Francis Lightfoot Lee and Richard Henry Lee, who both signed the Declaration of Independence.
- Robert E. Lee, a general during the American Civil War.
- Richard Henry Lee was also the sixth president under the Articles of Confederation.
Many other influential people lived here, like Colonel Nicholas Spencer and Robert Carter I. These leaders played big roles in the colonial government of Virginia.
Changes Over Time
Later in the colonial period, people started growing different crops like vegetables and grains. The area also developed a strong seafood industry. Reedville was once a very wealthy town because of its menhaden fishing industry. Before modern roads, many steamer routes connected the Chesapeake Bay region. These routes also linked to the railroads that developed after 1830.
During the American Civil War, the Northern Neck was a key area between the Union and Confederate armies. King George County, in particular, was a base for spies from both sides. Union forces controlled the Potomac River for much of the war.
After assassinating President Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth and David Herold crossed into the Northern Neck in King George County on April 21, 1865. They landed near Gambo Creek and were guided by Confederate agents. They then crossed the Rappahannock River into Caroline County, where Booth was killed and Herold was captured.
Colonial Beach, a small town in Westmoreland County, became a popular tourist spot. It offered beaches, swimming, and gambling. The gambling places were built on piers that extended into the Potomac River. This was done to make sure they were in Maryland, where gambling was allowed. When gambling ended and other beaches became easier to reach, Colonial Beach became less popular. However, the Northern Neck still attracts people who love fishing and boating.
Geography and Natural Beauty
The Northern Neck has 1100 miles of shoreline. This includes beaches, marinas, old steamship docks, and small towns from colonial times. Today, you can find small farms, vineyards, and wineries mixed with retirement communities.
Since the 1970s, making wine has become more important in the Northern Neck. The area even has a special wine region called the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA. This means wines grown in these five counties are officially recognized.
The region is home to parts of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It also has five state parks and natural areas. These include Caledon Natural Area, Bush Mill Stream Natural Area Preserve, Dameron Marsh Natural Area, and Westmoreland and Belle Isle state parks. The George Washington Birthplace National Monument is also a national park here.
Museums to Visit
The Northern Neck has several museums where you can learn about its history:
- George Washington Birthplace National Monument: Learn about George Washington's early life and farming during colonial times.
- Historic Christ Church in Weems: Built in 1735, it is one of the best-preserved colonial churches in Virginia.
- Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library: Discover Lancaster County's history through exhibits and a large library.
- Menokin: This was the home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, who signed the Declaration of Independence. It is located in Warsaw.
- Reedville Fisherman's Museum: Learn about the local fishing industry and its history.
- Stratford Hall Plantation: Built in 1730, this was the birthplace of Robert E. Lee. It has exhibits about his life.
Fun Festivals
The Northern Neck hosts several exciting festivals each year:
- Menokin Bluegrass Festival: Started in 2004, this festival takes place at the ruins of Francis Lightfoot Lee's home, Menokin. Thousands of bluegrass fans come to enjoy music and celebrate the region's history.
- Richmond County Fair: Known as the "biggest Little Fair in the South," it started in 1989 and is held in August in Warsaw.
- King George Fall Festival: Founded in 1959, this festival is held in October. All money raised helps support the King George Fire and Rescue. It includes a parade, carnival, craft fair, and a queen pageant.
- Historical Haunts at Stratford Hall: Stratford Hall hosts this annual Halloween program. Activities include ghost tours, pumpkin painting, crafts, and meeting characters like Frankenstein.
Tourism and Attractions
Tourism is an important part of the Northern Neck's economy. Many visitors come to enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of the peninsula.
You can explore national parks, state parks, and farms. There are also many historic sites related to the nation's founders. Colonial Beach, Westmoreland State Park, and the Rappahannock River National Wildlife Refuge offer great water access. You can go fishing, boating, and yachting. The region has twenty-seven marinas for boats.
If you like wine, there are nine wineries in the region. They are part of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail.
Other popular places to visit include:
- Stratford Hall, Robert E. Lee's birthplace and a great example of a Virginia plantation.
- George Washington Birthplace National Monument.
- The Westmoreland Berry Farm, where you can pick your own berries.
- Westmoreland State Park with its unique Horsehead Cliffs.
Images for kids
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Map of Virginia with the Northern Neck region shown in red
See also
In Spanish: Northern Neck para niños
