Walters, Virginia facts for kids

Walters is a small community located in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, in the United States. It's not an official town or city, but a small place where people live. Walters is part of the Hampton Roads area, which is a coastal region in southeastern Virginia. This community sits about 56 feet (17 meters) above sea level.

Walters: A Small Community in Virginia

Walters has an interesting history, especially with railroads and how it got its name. Today, it's a quiet place, but it still has a few local businesses that serve the people living there.

How Walters Got Its Name

The community of Walters was named after a person who lived there, Walter Joyner. When people were deciding on a name, they wanted to honor him. However, there was already a nearby community called "Joyners" in Southampton County. To avoid confusion, they decided to use "Walters" instead of "Joyners" for this new place.

The Virginian Railway Connection

Walters was once an important stop on the Virginian Railway (VGN). This railway was built by a wealthy businessman named Henry Huttleston Rogers. His goal was to transport coal from West Virginia all the way to a port at Sewell's Point, near Norfolk. The railway was finished in 1909.

Over time, things changed. In 1959, the Virginian Railway joined with another big railroad company, the Norfolk and Western Railway. The part of the railway that ran through Walters is no longer used for trains. However, the land where the tracks used to be is still important. It now holds a large pipeline. This pipeline carries fresh water to many communities in the South Hampton Roads area, which is very important for drinking and daily life.

Walters: Past and Present

In the past, Walters was a much busier place. It had many stores, a bank, and even a post office. It was a lively center for the people living nearby.

Today, Walters is a quieter community. While it's not as busy as it once was, it is still home to some local businesses. For example, there's a business that sells equipment for lawns and gardens, like lawn tractors. They also sell golf carts. These businesses help meet the needs of the people who live in and around Walters.