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Pungoteague, Virginia facts for kids

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Pungoteague, Virginia
Village General Store in Pungoteague, July 2018
Village General Store in Pungoteague, July 2018
Location in Accomack County and the state of Virginia.
Location in Accomack County and the state of Virginia.
Country United States
State Virginia
County Accomack
Elevation
26 ft (8 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 347
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
FIPS code 51-48776
GNIS feature ID 2584905

Pungoteague is a small community in Accomack County, Virginia, United States. It is known as a census-designated place (CDP). This means it is a special area the government uses for counting people. It helps them gather information about how many people live there.

In 2020, about 346 people lived in Pungoteague. The name "Pungoteague" comes from a Native American word. It is "Pungotekw," which means "Sand Fly River." This name was used by the very first people who lived here.

History of Pungoteague

First Play in America

Pungoteague has a special place in American history. In 1665, a play called Ye Bear and Ye Cub was performed here. This happened at Cowle's Tavern. Many people believe this was the first English play ever performed in the American colonies. It was a very early step for theater in the United States!

Historic Churches and Buildings

One important building in Pungoteague is Saint George's Church. People believe that the first church meetings happened here in 1636. The first church building was built between 1666 and 1676.

Later, in 1736, a new brick church was built. It was made in a special style called Flemish-bond. This church is so old and important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This list includes places that are important to American history. Another historic place, Shepherd's Plain, was added to the list in 1982.

Travel and Transportation

In the middle of the 1800s, Pungoteague was a busy stop. It was on a stagecoach route. Stagecoaches were like old-fashioned buses. They carried people and mail between towns. This route connected Wilmington, Delaware and Eastville, Virginia.

Geography and Location

Pungoteague is located in a flat area. It sits at an elevation of 26 feet above sea level. This means it is not very high up.

USPO, Pungoteague (cropped)
Pungoteague post office, July 2018

Population Facts

How Many People Live Here?

The number of people living in Pungoteague has stayed about the same.

Historical population
Census Pop.
2010 347
2020 346 −0.3%
U.S. Decennial Census
2010 2020

In 2010, there were 347 people. By 2020, the population was 346. This shows that Pungoteague is a small and quiet community.

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