Gloucester County began soon after the settlement of Jamestown in 1607. The name Gloucester came from Henry Duke of Gloucester who was a son Charles 1. In the 17th century, the tip of land protruding into the York River, across from Yorktown Beach was named Tyndall's Point by Robert Tyndall who was a mapmaker for Captain John Smith. Later named Gloucester Point, fortifications were built here in 1667, and were rebuilt and strengthened may times from colonial days through the American Civil War. This site is also known as the "Second Surrender" in reference to American Revolution War at Yorktown. Gloucester, in Tidewater Virginia, is noted for its many historical landmarks that have remained undisturbed. The Old Debtors Prison dates from the mid-18th century; several old estates are located in this region near Gloucester and White Marsh. Long Bridge Ordinary, a stagecoach tavern built in 1732, is open during Garden Week in late April.
For recreation, Gloucester contains over 100 miles of shore line. Gloucester point, contains a public beach with numerous boat ramps and a fishing pier where people can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports. Also, Gloucester has many parks such as the Abingdon Park, Tyndall’s Point Park, and Beaver Dam Park. Gloucester also has many exciting Festivals each year such as the Annual Daffodil Festival. The Festival starts out with a 5K Race and then a Parade full of excitement. Throughout the festival many storytellers, magicians, singers & bands will perform and entertain.. Pets may participate in the "Magnificent Mutt Show" where everyone is a winner. Guided tours of Brent & Becky's Bulbs are a short bus ride away. The Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Shows feature local & regional artists. There is also an Antiques show on the green behind the Museum. Follow your nose to the food court for fresh seafood, bar-b-que, funnel cakes, fries, hamburgers, chicken, beef and more. Children will enjoy clowns, facepainting, balloons, games & pony rides. Daffodil bulbs are on sale with delivery in the fall. The Festival is truly a full day of family fun.
Now, Gloucester County is one of the fastest growing areas in Virginia with its population expected to double within the next thirty years. Nevertheless, most of its labor force work outside the county at large businesses such as Newport News Shipbuilding and Canon Virginia. However, brass, lumber and metal products are manufactured locally in addition, Gloucester hosts a trailblazing center in the research and development of ocean mining, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Gloucester is also involved with the harvest of much seafood such as oysters, crab, and fish.
Population (year 2004): 35,410
Elevation: 25 feet
Land area: 225 Sq square miles
Zip code: 23062
Median Family Income (2004 Est.) $45,421
Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Newport News, VA (13.8 miles, pop. 180,150).
Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Norfolk, VA (31.2 miles, pop. 234,403).
Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Philadelphia, PA (210.4 miles, pop. 1,517,550).
Nearest cities: Yorktown, VA (2.6 miles), Gloucester Courthouse, VA (10.0 miles), Poquoson, VA (12.8 miles), Newport News, VA (13.8 miles), Williamsburg, VA (14.4 miles), Rushmere, VA (17.9 miles), Hampton, VA (18.8 miles), Smithfield, VA (21.8 miles).
Major Industries:
VIMS, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Wal-Mart, Government Services, Virginia Power, Seafood
Hospitals/medical centers near Gloucester Point:
• WOODSIDE HOSPITAL,LLC (about 8 miles; NPRT NWS, VA)
• RIVERSIDE WALTER REED HOSPITAL (about 11 miles; GLOUCESTER, VA)
• MARY IMMACULATE HOSP (about 11 miles; NEWPORT NEWS, VA)
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Gloucester Point:
• NEWPORT NEWS/WILLIAMSBURG INTERNATIONAL (about 11 miles; NEWPORT NEWS, VA; ID: PHF)
• LANGLEY AFB (about 18 miles; HAMPTON, VA; ID: LFI)
• NORFOLK NS (about 28 miles; NORFOLK, VA; ID: NGU)
Other public-use airports nearest to Gloucester Point:
• WILLIAMSBURG-JAMESTOWN (about 15 miles; WILLIAMSBURG, VA; ID: JGG)
• HUMMEL FIELD (about 24 miles; SALUDA, VA; ID: W75)
• MIDDLE PENINSULA RGNL (about 25 miles; WEST POINT, VA; ID: FYJ
