Since the first settlers landed at Jamestown over 400 years ago and planted crops to sustain themselves through the winters, agriculture has been at the heart of Virginia and Southampton County. Founded in 1749, Southampton County, owes its rich heritage to agriculture and forestry. Southampton County is home to the Nottoway River, 86 of Virginia's Century Farms and miles of sprawling landscape for hunting excursions and kayaking adventures.

A sprawling landscape boasts small towns waiting to be explored and more Century Farms than any other Virginia county. Numerous boat landings welcome casual boaters and fishermen. Hunters find abundant game and local outfitters who offer guides and comfortable lodges. Homes from the 1800's surround the classic courthouse and Courtland's quaint business district. The Rawls Museum Marts, part of the Virginia Museum of Fine Art, exhibits work by local, regional and nationally known artists. The gift shop features the work of local artisans-jewelry, pottery, glass, paintings and fine crafts.

The Southampton Agriculture and Forestry Museum/Heritage Museum-with a grist mill, saw mill, county store, schoolhouse and more-reflects rural life form the last 200 years. Here you’ll also see the Rebecca Vaughan House where the last casualties died in the slave rebelion led by Nat Turner in 1831. Turner and his followers were tried and executed in Courtland.

Near the North Carolina line where VA 35 and VA 186 meet, Boykins and Branchville are a small community with a big heart. In the Boykins town square a patriotic evergreen displays photos of local veterans and military. Main Street invites you into a charming array of shops. Linger for a cup of coffee, ice cream cone or meal on Main Street and then find the Boykins Museum, an 1840 train station displaying memorabilia of the county’s railroad history.

On VA 58, set in some of Southampton County’s lushest farmland, Capron is home to the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia’s new museum, housed in a vintage Masonic Hall. Newsoms, a farming community and home of the giant peanuts, is also home for 130 exotic animals at Bart Path Acres Zoo and Animal Education Center. Meet Lenny the ring-tailed Lemur, Hug, the brown bear, and others at the learning center.