Gloucester County Virginia Warrant Search

Gloucester County, Virginia Gloucester County is within the Commonwealth of Virginia in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area in the USA. Formed in 1651 in the Virginia Colony, the county was named for Henry Stuart, Duke of Gloucester, third son of King Charles I of Great Britain. Located in the Middle Peninsula region, it borders the York River and the lower Chesapeake Bay. It is about 75 miles east of Virginia's capital, Richmond. As of the 2000 census, the population was 34,780. The county seat is Gloucester Courthouse.Gloucester County has much history important to the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It was the site of Werowocomoco, a capital of the large and powerful Native American Powhatan Confederacy, which affiliated 30 tribes under a paramount chief. It was home to members of early colonial First Families of Virginia and important leaders in the period up to the American Revolutionary War. Thomas Jefferson wrote early work for Virginia and colonial independence at Rosewell Plantation, then the home of John Page, his close friend and fellow student at the College of William and Mary. As the war concluded with the British surrender at Yorktown, directly across from Gloucester Point, the county almost served as the escape route for the British land forces led by General Cornwallis. A French effort kept British naval forces from assisting him.Long the domain of Virginia watermen and the fishing industry, Gloucester County is also rich in farmland. Today it has two Starbucks cafes, a Walmart, as well as several smaller companies, and a regional, family-owned chain of supermarkets. It has a small-town, friendly, southern atmosphere, exemplified by the stores around the main street area at the county seat, Gloucester Courthouse.Despite the rural and small-town aspects, Gloucester County and adjacent Mathews County are considered part of the greater Hampton Roads metropolitan region of southeastern Virginia. They are linked by the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge, a toll facility across the York River carrying U.S. Route 17 to the Virginia Peninsula area. Gloucester County is nicknamed the 'Daffodil Capital of the World', and holds an annual daffodil festival, parade, and flower show. Native Americans The recorded history of Gloucester County, located in the first district of the United States, began soon after the settlement of Jamestown in 1607. Prior to that time, archeologists have discovered the area was inhabited for thousands of years by varying cultures of the hunter-gatherer groups of Native Americans during the late Woodland Period and earlier. By the late 16th century, the historic Powhatan Confederacy had been formed in the area. Werowocomoco, a stronghold of the Powhatan, was located on the north side of the York River, in what is now Gloucester. This complex, stratified society depended on the cultivation of varieties of maize, beans and squash, crops that supported a dense population in numerous settlements. The Powhatan Confederacy was estimated to total 12,000 to 15,000 people in 30 tribes. Arrival of Europeans Around 1570, Spanish Jesuits priests attempted to establish what was called the Ajacan Mission across the York River from Gloucester. They were killed by Natives led by a supposed Christian-convert named Don Luis ,who was affiliated with a village in current York County (on the grounds of the current Naval Weapons Station Yorktown), known as Chiskiack.When English settlers arrived at Jamestown in 1607, they soon came into conflict with the Native Americans (whom they called 'Indians') as the newcomers competed for land, game and other resources. In late 1607, John Smith was captured and taken to Powhatan at Werowocomoco, his eastern capital in Gloucester County. According to legend, Powhatan's daughter Pocahontas saved John Smith from being executed by the Indians. Some historians question the accuracy of Smith's much account of that incident. Werowocomoco was confirmed as a capital of Chief Powhatan in a later visit when Smith was accompanied by other Englishmen. Lost site of Werowocomoco After the chief moved his capital to a safer, inland location and abandoned the village around 1609, knowledge of the site was lost. Researchers tried to identify it by Smith's historic writings. The current site of West Point seemed to match Smith's description of a location. From there, he noted the distance downstream to Werowocomoco. Based upon Smith's description, at one time scholars thought that the former capital was located near Wicomico, the site of Powhatan's Chimney, about 25 miles east of present-day West Point. Smith also noted that Jamestown was 12 miles from Werowocomoco 'as the crow flies.' The site near Wicomico is considerably further from Jamestown.In 1977, the archeologist Daniel Mouer, from Virginia Commonwealth University, identified a site on Purtan Bay as the possible location of Werowocomoco. He collected artifacts from the surface of plowed fields and along the beach. He found fragments of Indian ceramics dating from the Late Woodland/Contact Period and determined that the area was the 'possible site of Werowocomoco.More than 20 years later, another landowner authorized archaeological excavation on the property. Between March 2002 and April 2003, the Werowocomoco Research Group conducted excavations and analysis at the Werowocomoco site. The Research Group is a collaborative effort of the College of William and Mary, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and Virginia Indian tribes descended from the Powhatan Confederacy. Initial testing included digging 603 test holes, 12 to 16 inches deep and 50 feet apart. They found thousands of artifacts, including a blue bead, which may have been made in Europe for trading. Together with the historical descriptions of Werowocomoco, researchers believe these discoveries have established the site of the capital. 'We believe we have sufficient evidence to confirm that the property is indeed the village of Werowocomoco,' said Randolph Turner, director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources' Portsmouth Regional Office in 2003. Two Gloucester-based archaeologists, Thane Harpole and David Brown, were instrumental in the work at the site since 2002. They continue to be involved in the excavations. Archeologists have determined there was a dispersed village community occupying the site from A.D. 1200 through the early 17th century. They recovered artifacts including Native pottery and stone tools, as well as floral and faunal food remains of the large residential community. The Research Group has also recovered large numbers of English trade goods, produced from glass, copper, and other metals originating in Jamestown. The colonists' accounts of interaction at Werowocomoco during the early days of Jamestown emphasized Powhatan's interests in acquiring numerous English objects, particularly copper, which the Indians used to create their own precious objects.The recent project is notable for the researchers' consultation and collaboration with members of the local Native American tribes, the Mattaponi and Pamunkey. They are prominent among the descendants of the Powhatan Confederacy. Such archeological sites often contain burials and associated artifacts which are sacred to these tribes.Gloucester County has celebrated Werowocomoco and other significant Powhatan heritage sites as part of the county's history. Both the newly identified site on Purtan Bay and Powhatan's Chimney at Wicomico, are located within the territory which the Native Americans may have considered as Werowocomoco. In the Algonquian language, the village of the chief was not a place name but was more correctly translated as a reference to 'the lands' where he lived. The Powhatan tradition included frequent relocations of various quarters within a general area. English developments In 1619, the Virginia Company divided its developed areas into four incorporations, also called 'citties' (sic). At that time, most of the area which became Gloucester County would have been considered part of 'James Cittie', although it was not yet settled. In 1634, by order of King Charles I, the colony was divided into the Eight shires of Virginia. First named Charles River Shire by the English, York County was renamed in 1642 during the English Civil War. (The Pamunkey called the river of their territory Pamunkey; residents retained that for a portion upstream from West Point. The English first named the major river the Charles River, and then during the English Civil War, the York River).The colonial government granted early land patents in the area in 1639, but it was not until after 1644 that Gloucester was considered safe for settlement. George Washington's great-grandfather received a Gloucester County land patent in 1650. County divisions By order of the Virginia General Assembly, Gloucester County was formed from York County in 1651, and consisted of four parishes: Abingdon, Kingston, Petsworth and Ware. It was named for Henry Stuart, Duke of Gloucester, third son of Charles I. Gloucester County figured prominently in the history of the colony and the Commonwealth of Virginia.Kingston parish became Mathews County in 1791 and the remaining three parishes were retained in Gloucester. The county was split on what is now the eastern county line. Plantations and historic sites In the 17th and 18th centuries, Gloucester was a major tobacco-producing area. Many of the old plantation homes and private estates have been preserved in excellent condition. From time to time, these establishments are open to public visitation during Historic Garden Week. Fine examples of Colonial architecture are represented by the Episcopal churches of Ware (1690) and Abingdon (1755), where both presidents Washington and Jefferson worshipped. Some early colonial buildings at the county seat on the Courthouse Green continue to be used for public purposes.In the 17th century, the tip of land protruding into the York River, across from Yorktown, was named Tyndall's Point by Robert Tyndall, mapmaker for Captain John Smith. In 1667, fortifications were built at what was then called Gloucester Point. They were rebuilt and strengthened many times from colonial days through the American Civil War. This site is also known as the 'Second Surrender' by General Charles Lord Cornwallis to General George Washington at Yorktown. Notable residents Many colonial leaders lived in Gloucester County .Warner Hall, George Washington's maternal grandmother's home, which is now aB&B; Rosewell, home ofThomas Jefferson's friendJohn Page; and John Buckner, who in 1680 brought the colony its firstprinting press; John Clayton, world renownedbotanist; Dr. Walter Reed, born in theClay Bankarea of Gloucester, discovered origin and cure foryellow feverduring the building of thePanama Canal; T. C. Walker, lawyer and civil rights activist after becoming a freedman; Robert R. Moton, lobbied for a Black man to be appointed as an assistant to theSecretary of War. Guinea One area of Gloucester County is known as Guinea, which includes the unincorporated communities of Achilles, Bena, Severn, and Big Island. Located near Gloucester Point, the area has historically been the center of the seafood industry of the county. Founding families of Gloucester, such as Shackelford, Rowe, West, Jenkins, Green, Kellum and Belvin, were long involved in the industry. While the industry has declined over the years, it still remains the cultural core of the community. The watermen are known locally as 'Guineamen.' Guineamen speak a distinct, heavily accented form of non-rhotic Southern Vernacular English.The name 'Guinea' is of uncertain origin. A commonly held but incorrect explanation is that it was named 'Guinea' to deride Loyalists who quartered Hessian mercenaries during the Revolutionary War, soldiers who were paid one guinea per day. The Hessians were attached to Cornwallis' army. They were believed to have occupied lower Gloucester during the closing days of the Revolutionary War or deserted their service fighting for the British. Cornwallis sent British troops and cavalry to occupy Gloucester in October 1781, and Hessians may have been a part of that contingency and were sent to secure lower Gloucester due to its strategic importance at the mouth of the York River.But, the area in the upper part of the neck was called 'Little Guinea' prior to the Yorktown campaign. The marshy, somewhat isolated peninsula was a haven for British deserters. After the surrender of Cornwallis, British prisoners in Gloucester county were allowed to wander about without confinement or guards. Daffodils The history of the daffodil in Gloucester County, Virginia, is almost as old as the county itself. When Gloucester was formed in 1651 from part of York County the early settlers brought these soft reminders of English springs as they established themselves in the area. The soil and weather conditions were ideal for daffodils. The bulbs were passed from neighbor to neighbor and spread from the orderly beds and burying grounds of the great houses to the fields. Some, such as the hardy Trumpet Major variety, seemed to thrive on neglect. By the beginning of the 20th century daffodils grew wild in the untended fields of Gloucester. It is from this abundance of natural beauty that grew the extensive daffodil industry which earned the county the title 'Daffodil Capital of America' in the 1930s and 40s. They also hold an annual Daffodil Festival to commemorate this stapled flower. Battle of the Hook reenactment On October 17–19, 2008, some 2,000 Revolutionary War reenactors ( www.battleofthehook.com ) will converge on Warner Hall in Gloucester County to commemorate the defeat of Banastre Tarleton and his British Legion by the colorful hussars of the Duc de Lauzun's Legion and Mercer's Select Battalian of Virginia Militia Grenadiers. A key battle in American independence, the 'Battle of the Hook' cut off Cornwallis's supplies and his escape route, forcing his surrender on October 19, 1781. An hour after the surrender at Yorktown, the British and Hessian forces in Gloucester surrendered, marking the final significant battle of the American War of Independence. Daffodil Festival The annual spring Daffodil Festival brings many tourists to the area and generates business. The 24th annual Daffodil Festival was held March 27th and 28th, 2010. Black Powder and Paint Festival Gloucester also has a historic court circle, which is also where the annual Black Powder and Paint Festival is held, at which you can view live music and high-quality handmade crafts like powder horns, and sea shell jewelry, or even purchase items. Beaverdam Park Beaverdam park is based on a reservoir. Visitors can hike, as well as boat, fish, and picnic. The park is very large, and has many trails. Visitors may see wildlife. Amenities include parking and the Whitcomb Lodge, which may be leased for special events such as birthdays and weddings. Small boats are available for rental. Non-gasoline powered boats may be used for a nominal launch fee. VIMS The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is the professional graduate school in marine science for the College of William and Mary, the country's second-oldest university which is headquartered in nearby Williamsburg. It is located at Gloucester Point along what would be the county's beach, taking samples and measurements for the Chesapeake Bay, and putting specimens on display. Many people flock to VIMS from the surrounding counties during the Marine Science Day each year. Schools Gloucester County Public Schools is the Virginia public school division serving the county. It has nine total public schools: six elementary (grades K-5), two intermediate (grades 6-8), and one high school (grades 9-12). Some residents have suggested that the school system switch to a year-round schedule like a few neighboring counties, but the board has rejected each proposal. The high school offers advanced courses in mathematics and language. Elementary schools The six schools are as follows:Abingdon, Achilles, Bethel, Botetourt, Petsworth, and T.C. Walker.Classes of about twenty students are assigned to a teacher for a whole school year. Middle schools The schools have block scheduling, and teams (basically a complete division of the grade). The schools' names are Peasley and Page. High school Gloucester High School (GHS) has been recently renovated, but it is overcrowded because of an increase in population. The school mascot is the former Duke of Gloucester. Gloucester County Courthouse Gloucester County Courthouse has a traditional main street. There are three courthouses, with one listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Main Street includes a barber shop and retail shops. The county is renovating the sidewalk system. The annual daffodil parade proceeds along main street, bordered by vendors' stalls. Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 288 square miles (746 km²), of which 217 square miles (561 km²) is land and 71 square miles (185 km²) (24.79%) is water. Adjacent Counties Middlesex County- north Matthews County- east York County- south James City County- southwest King and Queen County- west Demographics As of the 2005 census, there were 38,293 people, 15,663 households, and 9,884 families residing in the county. The population density was 161 people per square mile (62/km²). There were 14,494 housing units at an average density of 67 per square mile (26/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.20% White, 8.6% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. 1.9% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.There were 13,127 households out of which 35.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.40% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.70% were non-families. 20.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.02.In the county, the population was spread out with 26.20% under the age of 18, 6.80% from 18 to 24, 30.40% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 11.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.90 males.The median income for a household in the county was $45,421, and the median income for a family was $48,760. Males had a median income of $35,838 versus $24,325 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,990. About 6.80% of families and 8.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.70% of those under age 18 and 8.50% of those age 65 or over. Census-designated places Gloucester Courthouse Gloucester Point