Introduction to Accomack County, Virginia
Accomack County is located on the eastern shore of Virginia, bordering the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. To its north, it borders Worcester County, Maryland, and to the south, it borders Northampton County, Virginia. The county was established in 1663, making it one of the oldest in Virginia. Historically, Accomack has played a significant role in the state’s agricultural development and maritime economy, with its fertile land and proximity to the ocean shaping the local economy for centuries.
Accomack County experiences a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The county is home to numerous historic landmarks and natural attractions, including the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Wallops Flight Facility. With a population of approximately 33,000 people, Accomack County is rural in nature but rich in history and natural beauty.
- County Seat: Accomac
- Number of Cities and Towns: 12
- Major School Districts: Accomack County Public Schools
Chincoteague
City Overview
Chincoteague is a town located on Chincoteague Island, off the eastern coast of Accomack County. Chincoteague is well-known for its tourism, largely due to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the famous Chincoteague Ponies, which draw visitors from across the country. The town was established in the 17th century as a fishing and oyster-harvesting community and has since evolved into a popular vacation destination, particularly for nature lovers.
The weather in Chincoteague is mild, with hot summers and cool winters. Chincoteague Island is home to the annual Pony Swim and Auction, a major event where wild ponies are swum from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island and auctioned off. The town’s economy relies heavily on tourism, but it also maintains strong ties to its fishing and seafood industries.
City Facts
- Population: 2,941 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 380 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 23336
- Road Network: U.S. Route 175
- Nearest Airports: Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (MD), Wallops Flight Facility Airport
- Libraries: Chincoteague Island Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Onancock (Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Chincoteague is part of the Accomack County Public Schools system. The town is served by Chincoteague Elementary School (grades K-5) with around 250 students, and Chincoteague High School (grades 6-12), which enrolls approximately 300 students. The schools offer a close-knit educational environment, with small class sizes and a strong focus on community involvement. Students participate in various extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and environmental education related to the local wildlife refuge.
Onancock
City Overview
Onancock is located on the western side of Accomack County, along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Founded in 1680, Onancock was historically an important port town and commercial hub. The town’s deep-water harbor connected it to major trade routes along the Eastern Seaboard, and today, it maintains a charming historic downtown filled with 18th- and 19th-century architecture.
Onancock enjoys a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Major landmarks in the town include the Historic Onancock School and the Roseland Theatre. The town is also known for its thriving arts scene, with galleries and performances regularly held in the community. The harbor is still a focal point, offering ferry services to Tangier Island and supporting local fishing activities.
City Facts
- Population: 1,263 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 800 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 23417
- Road Network: U.S. Route 13
- Nearest Airports: Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (MD), Norfolk International Airport
- Libraries: Eastern Shore Public Library
- Hospitals: Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital
Major Schools
Onancock students attend schools in the Accomack County Public Schools district. The primary school for younger children is Accawmacke Elementary School (grades K-5), with approximately 350 students. Older students typically attend Nandua Middle School (grades 6-8) and Nandua High School (grades 9-12), located just outside of town, serving around 600 students combined. These schools offer a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports teams, band, and art clubs, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
Accomac
City Overview
Accomac, the county seat of Accomack County, is located inland, just a few miles east of U.S. Route 13. Established in 1786, the town is a historic center with numerous preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The town’s history is closely linked to the early colonial period, and it remains a center for government and commerce in the county.
Accomac experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and cool winters. Landmarks in the town include the Accomack County Courthouse, a building that has been in use since the 19th century, and the Debtor’s Prison, a small brick structure from the early 1800s that is one of the oldest buildings of its kind in the U.S.
City Facts
- Population: 519 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 900 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 23301
- Road Network: U.S. Route 13, Virginia State Route 179
- Nearest Airports: Wallops Flight Facility Airport, Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport
- Libraries: Eastern Shore Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Onancock (Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Students in Accomac attend schools within the Accomack County Public Schools district. Accawmacke Elementary School serves children from kindergarten through 5th grade, while students in grades 6-8 attend Nandua Middle School, and those in grades 9-12 attend Nandua High School. With approximately 500 students in the high school, these schools offer a broad range of academic and extracurricular activities, including science fairs, drama clubs, and athletic programs.
Parksley
City Overview
Parksley is a small town in Accomack County, located slightly inland from the Chesapeake Bay. Founded in the late 19th century, Parksley was one of the first planned towns on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, with its grid layout centered around the railroad station. Today, Parksley retains much of its historic charm, with Victorian-era homes and a central town square.
The weather in Parksley is typical of the Eastern Shore, with humid summers and cool winters. The town is home to the Eastern Shore Railway Museum, which preserves the area’s railroad history, and the town square often hosts community events like farmers’ markets and festivals.
City Facts
- Population: 842 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 650 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 23421
- Road Network: U.S. Route 13, Virginia State Route 316
- Nearest Airports: Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport, Wallops Flight Facility Airport
- Libraries: Parksley Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Onancock (Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Parksley students attend schools in the Accomack County Public Schools district. Local students go to Accawmacke Elementary School for grades K-5, Nandua Middle School for grades 6-8, and Nandua High School for grades 9-12. The district emphasizes academic excellence and student involvement, offering clubs and programs such as Future Farmers of America (FFA) and robotics competitions, in addition to the regular curriculum. Parksley students benefit from a well-rounded education in a small-town setting.
Tangier
City Overview
Tangier is a unique town located on Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay, accessible only by boat or plane. The island was settled in the late 1600s and remains one of the few places in the U.S. where an English dialect, influenced by the region’s early settlers, can still be heard. The town is primarily a fishing village, with crab harvesting being a major industry.
Tangier has a maritime climate, with mild winters and cooler summers compared to the mainland. The town is famous for its picturesque water views and historic culture. Landmarks include the Tangier History Museum, which showcases the island’s heritage, and the many scenic waterways that surround the island.
City Facts
- Population: 436 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 360 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 23440
- Road Network: No major roads, accessible by boat or small aircraft
- Nearest Airports: Tangier Island Airport, Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport
- Libraries: Tangier Island History Museum (small library section)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Onancock (Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Tangier Island has its own school, Tangier Combined School, which serves grades K-12. With a student population of around 60, the school provides a highly personalized educational experience. Students receive individualized attention due to the small class sizes, and the school integrates the island’s maritime culture into its curriculum. The school’s tight-knit community allows for close interaction between students and teachers, making it a unique learning environment.