Nestled in the middle of the southern part of Virginia, Essex County was established in 1692 from the old Rappahannock County. In the 1600s Jacob Hobbs established a trading post in the county area. To learn more about the history of the county, take the Historic Town Walking Tour that will take you all the way back to the 17th century. You can see buildings like Scots Arms Tavern, dating back to 1680, all the way to the Old Clerk’s office, which dates back to 1808. All of these are within three blocks of one another in downtown making it an adventure you just can’t afford to miss.
Found only 100 miles south of DC and 95 miles north of Norfolk, it is the perfect mix of everything you could want. Boating and fishing are regular parts of everyday life here with a rural and relaxing atmosphere to bask in. Little league for the kids, golfing for dad, and so more including horseback riding. The public parks, such as Tappohannock and Marsh Street Park, offer locations for the family to come together and play. Rappahannock means “rise and fall” of the water and Rappahannock River Cruises are offered Tuesdays through Sundays in the months from May to October for those interested in that water experience. Essex is the place you’ll come to visit and make your home.