Shields, Accomack County, Virginia facts for kids

Shields is a small place in Accomack County, Virginia. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own local government, like a city or a town would. Instead, the area is managed by the larger county it's part of, which in this case is Accomack County.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own mayor, city council, or local police force. Think of it like a neighborhood that's part of a bigger county.

How it Works

When a place is unincorporated, the county government takes care of things like roads, schools, and public safety. This is different from a city or town, which has its own leaders and departments for these services.

Why Some Places are Unincorporated

Many communities start small and grow over time. If they don't grow large enough to need their own separate government, or if residents prefer to be managed by the county, they remain unincorporated. This can sometimes mean fewer local taxes, as they don't have to pay for a separate city or town administration.