New Kent County, Virginia
New Kent County | |
---|---|
UTC−4 (EDT) | |
Congressional district | 1st |
Website | www |
New Kent County is a
New Kent County is located east of the Greater Richmond Region and is part of the Richmond and the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
New Kent County was established in 1654, as the Virginia General Assembly with the governor's consent split
The county had two parishes in the colonial era, initially called Blisland (which also included the older James City County as well as York County) and St. Peter's. Among the earliest settlers was Nicholas Gentry, who settled in New Kent in 1684. Parish registers of St. Peter's Parish show that Nicholas Gentry's daughter was baptized in the church in 1687.[5] In 1719 the Virginia General Assembly split New Kent County, and what had been established St. Paul's Parish became Hanover County.[6][7]
New Kent county's first brick courthouse was built by 1695, but it and two successors were destroyed in 1753 and 1775. Another fire in 1783 destroyed the clerk's office and jail, so few colonial era non-religious records remain. However, a manual entitled "The Office and Authority of a Justice of Peace" published in 1736 by county court justice George Webb, the son of London merchant Conrad Webb and whose son Lewis Webb would briefly represent New Kent county in the House of Burgesses and later in the House of Delegates during the American Revolutionary War.[8] Perhaps the county's most noteworthy patriot during the conflict was James, an enslaved man who became a double agent, and whose reports to the Marquis de Lafayette helped secure victory during the Siege of Yorktown months after British troops led by Lt. Gen. Charles Cornwallis passed through the county seat (and raided local plantations) in June 1781. In addition to men who enlisted in the army, New Kent county also established an American military hospital during the conflict. As the result of arson confessed to by John Price Posey and Thomas Green, and allegedly involving "a negro boy belonging to W. Chamberlayne", many later county records were burned, making identifying relationships between family members difficult.[9]
Two first ladies – Martha Washington and Letitia Christian Tyler – were born in New Kent County. The church where George and Martha Washington are believed to have been wed, St. Peter's, still holds services today.
Confederate and Union troops fought in as well as passed through New Kent County during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. The
During the state's
The historical ties to Hampton Roads stem from its location and the shared history of Virginia's colonial past. The region, known for its military bases, shipyards, and as a commercial and cultural hub, influences the surrounding counties, including New Kent. The proximity to Hampton Roads has led to economic and demographic growth in the county, with residents often commuting to the larger cities such as Newport News and Norfolk for work while enjoying the quieter, rural life that New Kent offers.
In 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau, which considers both New Kent County and Hanover County part of the Richmond metropolitan area (although it also is considered part of the Hampton Roads Region), rated New Kent County among the top 100 fastest-growing counties in the U.S.[10]
Geography
The northeast border of the county is defined by the meanderings of the Pamunkey River, and the southwest county border is similarly defined by the Chickahominy River. The county terrain consists of rolling hills, either wooded or devoted to agriculture, and carved by drainages.[11] The terrain slopes to the east and south, with its highest point on the west border at 174 ft (53 m) ASL.[12] The county has a total area of 223 sq mi (580 km2), of which 210 sq mi (540 km2) are land and 14 square miles (36 km2) (6.23%) are covered by water.
Quinton, VA[13] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Climate chart (explanation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjacent counties
- King William County – north
- King and Queen County – northeast
- James City County – southeast
- Charles City County -south
- Henrico County – southwest
- Hanover County – west
Protected areas[11]
- Crawfords State Forest
- Cumberland Marsh Natural Area Preserve
Lakes[11]
- Cooks Millpond
- Davis Pond
- Davis Pond North
- Diascund Creek Reservoir
- Goddins Pond
- Kent Lake
- Old Forge Pond
- Richardson Millpond (part)
- Taylor Pond
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1790 | 6,239 | — | |
1800 | 6,363 | 2.0% | |
1810 | 6,478 | 1.8% | |
1820 | 6,630 | 2.3% | |
1830 | 6,458 | −2.6% | |
1840 | 6,230 | −3.5% | |
1850 | 6,064 | −2.7% | |
1860 | 5,884 | −3.0% | |
1870 | 4,381 | −25.5% | |
1880 | 5,515 | 25.9% | |
1890 | 5,511 | −0.1% | |
1900 | 4,865 | −11.7% | |
1910 | 4,682 | −3.8% | |
1920 | 4,541 | −3.0% | |
1930 | 4,300 | −5.3% | |
1940 | 4,092 | −4.8% | |
1950 | 3,995 | −2.4% | |
1960 | 4,504 | 12.7% | |
1970 | 5,300 | 17.7% | |
1980 | 8,781 | 65.7% | |
1990 | 10,445 | 19.0% | |
2000 | 13,462 | 28.9% | |
2010 | 18,429 | 36.9% | |
2020 | 22,945 | 24.5% | |
2021 (est.) | 23,897 | [14] | 4.1% |
U.S. Decennial Census[15] 1790-1960[16] 1900-1990[17] 1990-2000[18] 2010-2020[19] |
2020 census
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2010[20] | Pop 2020[19] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH)
|
14,804 | 17,818 | 80.33% | 77.66% |
Black or African American alone (NH)
|
2,474 | 2,714 | 13.42% | 11.83% |
Alaska Native alone (NH)
|
185 | 225 | 1.00% | 0.98% |
Asian alone (NH) | 159 | 223 | 0.86% | 0.97% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 2 | 8 | 0.01% | 0.03% |
Some Other Race alone (NH) | 21 | 102 | 0.11% | 0.44% |
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 394 | 1,124 | 2.14% | 4.90% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 390 | 731 | 2.12% | 3.19% |
Total | 18,429 | 22,945 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
2010 Census
As of the
At the
Of the 4,925 households, 34.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.60% were married couples living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.90% were not families. About 16.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65, and the average family size was 2.97.
The county's age distribution was 25.00% under 18, 5.90% from 18 to 24, 32.00% from 25 to 44, 27.70% from 45 to 64, and 9.40% who were 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.60 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 99.90 males.
The
Notable People
- Jamion Christian, former head coach, men's basketball, George Washington University (DC).
- Jarrell Christian, head coach, Maine Celtics.
- first lady of the United Statesin 1841–42.
- Martha Washington wife of 1st U.S. president, George Washington and 1st First Lady of the United States of America.
Education
New Kent County has five schools within its school system.[22] The three elementary schools are New Kent Elementary, Quinton Elementary, and George W. Watkins Elementary. The school system also includes New Kent Middle School and New Kent High School. All five schools are fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education. At the high-school level, various honors and advanced-placement courses are available, along with dual enrollment through Rappahannock Community College. Gifted and enrichment programs are offered in all grades kindergarten through 12th grade.[23]
The roughly 430 employees include 220 licensed teachers, seven guidance counselors, four media specialists, four principals, five assistant principals, and a central office staff composed of one superintendent and five directors.[24] As of 2018, the superintendent is Brian Nichols,[25] and the assistant superintendent is Ed Smith.
New Kent County received a new site for Rappahannock Community College in 2015,[26] located at the renovated "historic" New Kent High School site. The site offers engineering, nursing, and basic college-level courses in New Kent.
Transportation
Highways
- Interstate 64 traverses the county, with four exits (205, 211, 214, and 220), roughly paralleling U.S. 60.
- Major state highways include State Routes 273.
Railroads
- CSX Transportation
- Norfolk Southern
No passenger rail stations are in New Kent County. The nearest Amtrak service is at stations in Williamsburg and Richmond.
Air
- New Kent Airport (W96)[27]) - near Quinton (general aviation facility)
- Commercial passenger services and cargo services are offered at Richmond International Airport - in Henrico County, about 10 miles west of Bottoms Bridge.
Attractions
Two golf courses are available in New Kent County:
The Colonial Downs horse racing track is located in rural New Kent County.
Communities
No towns in New Kent County are incorporated. Unincorporated towns and communities include:
Census-designated place
- New Kent (county seat)
Unincorporated communities[11]
- Baltimore Crossroads
- Barhamsville
- Bottoms Bridge
- Carps Corner
- Chickahominy Shores
- Crumps Mill
- Eltham
- Hampstead
- Lanexa
- Mountcastle
- Patriot's Landing (subdivision)
- Plum Point
- Poplar Grove
- Providence Forge
- Quinton
- Slaterville
- Talleysville
- Tunstall
- Walkers
- White House
- White Oak Landing
- Woodhaven Shores
Media
- New Kent Charles City Chronicle, online edition
- New Kent - Charles City Chronicle: Community newspaper, published weekly
- New Kent Cablevision
- Tidewater Review, online edition
Politics
New Kent County is traditionally
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 9,631 | 66.59% | 4,621 | 31.95% | 211 | 1.46% |
2016 | 8,118 | 66.36% | 3,546 | 28.99% | 569 | 4.65% |
2012 | 7,246 | 66.16% | 3,555 | 32.46% | 152 | 1.39% |
2008 | 6,385 | 63.91% | 3,493 | 34.96% | 113 | 1.13% |
2004 | 5,414 | 68.13% | 2,443 | 30.75% | 89 | 1.12% |
2000 | 3,934 | 64.34% | 2,055 | 33.61% | 125 | 2.04% |
1996 | 2,852 | 54.15% | 1,859 | 35.30% | 556 | 10.56% |
1992 | 2,708 | 49.39% | 1,738 | 31.70% | 1,037 | 18.91% |
1988 | 2,917 | 66.54% | 1,427 | 32.55% | 40 | 0.91% |
1984 | 2,679 | 68.71% | 1,204 | 30.88% | 16 | 0.41% |
1980 | 1,739 | 57.30% | 1,204 | 39.67% | 92 | 3.03% |
1976 | 1,259 | 47.62% | 1,338 | 50.61% | 47 | 1.78% |
1972 | 1,370 | 67.52% | 633 | 31.20% | 26 | 1.28% |
1968 | 526 | 27.63% | 765 | 40.18% | 613 | 32.20% |
1964 | 677 | 49.60% | 684 | 50.11% | 4 | 0.29% |
1960 | 526 | 51.67% | 481 | 47.25% | 11 | 1.08% |
1956 | 510 | 57.95% | 178 | 20.23% | 192 | 21.82% |
1952 | 455 | 52.78% | 400 | 46.40% | 7 | 0.81% |
1948 | 140 | 27.24% | 277 | 53.89% | 97 | 18.87% |
1944 | 158 | 32.44% | 329 | 67.56% | 0 | 0.00% |
1940 | 133 | 31.74% | 286 | 68.26% | 0 | 0.00% |
1936 | 120 | 28.10% | 307 | 71.90% | 0 | 0.00% |
1932 | 115 | 28.33% | 286 | 70.44% | 5 | 1.23% |
1928 | 217 | 54.94% | 178 | 45.06% | 0 | 0.00% |
1924 | 86 | 30.82% | 178 | 63.80% | 15 | 5.38% |
1920 | 109 | 36.45% | 190 | 63.55% | 0 | 0.00% |
1916 | 69 | 26.14% | 192 | 72.73% | 3 | 1.14% |
1912 | 30 | 12.66% | 160 | 67.51% | 47 | 19.83% |
See also
References
- ^ "New Kent County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- JSTOR 1914974.
- JSTOR 1923023.
- ^ Gentry, Richard (April 5, 2018). "The Gentry family in America: 1676 to 1909, including notes on the following families related to the Gentrys: Claiborne, Harris, Hawkins, Robinson, Smith, Wyatt, Sharp, Fulkerson, Butler, Bush, Blythe, Pabody, Noble, Haggard, and Tindall". Printed for the author by the Grafton press. Retrieved April 5, 2018 – via Google Books.
- ^ "OUR HISTORY". St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
- hdl:2027/mdp.39015011026666.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - ^ Lyon Gardiner Tyler, (1915) vol. 1 pp. 354-355
- JSTOR 1915053.
- ^ "100 Fastest Growing Counties". US Census Bureau.
- ^ a b c d New Kent County VA Google Maps (accessed 4 April 2019)
- ^ ""Find an Altitude/New Kent County VA" Google Maps (accessed 4 April 2019)". Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
- ^ http://www.usa.com/quinton-va-weather.htm#HistoricalTemperature [bare URL]
- ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021". Retrieved April 6, 2022.
- US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - New Kent County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race –- 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - New Kent County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- ^ "New Kent County Schools". schoolwebpages.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- ^ Education, Virginia Department of. "VDOE :: Gifted Education". www.doe.virginia.gov. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- ^ "NK Educational Foundation". nkeducationalfoundation.org. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- ^ "New Kent County Schools". schoolwebpages.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- ^ "Open House and Fair launch RCC's New Kent County site - Rappahannock Community College". Rappahannock Community College. Archived from the original on February 6, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
- ^ "AirNav: W96 - New Kent County Airport". www.airnav.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- ^ "The Golf Club at Brickshire – Providence Forge VA". www.brickshiregolfclub.com. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
- ^ "Club at Viniterra – New Kent VA". www.viniterragolf.com. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
- ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved December 9, 2020.