Accomac, Virginia
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Region
Virginia's Eastern Shore
Type
Historic county-seat town
County
Accomack County, Virginia
Known for
Historic district and courthouse green
Accomac is the county seat of Accomack County, Virginia, on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Its appeal is less about a single marquee attraction than a compact historic center: a courthouse green, tree-shaded streets, and houses and civic buildings that trace the town’s development from the colonial era into the 19th century.[1]
A self-guided walk is a useful way to explore. The restored Debtors’ Prison has reopened for seasonal public tours and programs, but its schedule can change; check the town’s visitor information before setting out. Accomac also makes a small-town heritage stop on a wider trip around the Eastern Shore.[2][3]
Plan a trip to Accomac
Why visit Accomac?
Visit for a walkable encounter with the Eastern Shore’s courthouse-town history and architecture. The historic district includes Federal-era homes, churches, and civic buildings, with the courthouse green providing a natural starting point. Many of the older houses remain private residences, so enjoy them from public streets and respect residents’ privacy.[4]
Accomac works well as a short heritage-focused stop rather than a destination built around a large attraction district. Pair the town walk with a visit to a local historic site, then continue exploring other towns and natural areas across Virginia's Eastern Shore.
What to see and do
Walk the historic streets
Follow the town’s self-guided walking tour from the courthouse green past historic homes and civic buildings. The town provides a printable brochure and says copies are available at Town Hall; confirm current availability before visiting.[5]
Accomack County Courthouse and green
The courthouse at the center of town dates to 1899 and replaced an earlier courthouse. The nearby clerk’s office preserves historic county records, and the green is a good place to orient yourself before walking the surrounding streets.[6]
Debtors’ Prison
Built in 1783 as the county jailer’s residence and converted to hold debtors in 1824, this rare surviving landmark reopened after restoration in 2026. The town describes it as seasonally open for tours, educational programs, and special events; check its current visitor information before making it a fixed part of your itinerary.[7]
Architecture of the historic district
Look for a mix of 18th- and 19th-century regional building styles, including Federal houses, churches, and the Victorian courthouse. The district’s notable buildings include the Seymour House, Seven Gables, The Haven, and the Francis Makemie Presbyterian Church; many are private properties and should be viewed from public rights-of-way.[8]
History and character
The settlement began as Matompkin and developed around the courthouse established in the late 17th century. The site became the county seat in 1690. In 1786, the Virginia legislature established a town called Drummond, named for landowner Richard Drummond; the name Accomac came into use in 1893.[9][10]
Accomac’s historic character comes from its continued role as a courthouse town and the survival of its civic and residential fabric. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources notes that the town preserves regional building types from the 18th and 19th centuries; the Accomac Historic District is listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.[11]
Planning a visit
Begin at the courthouse green and use the town’s walking-tour brochure to choose a route. Allow time to stroll slowly and look at the buildings from the public street; several of the most notable houses are privately owned and are not open to visitors.[12][13]
For a visit inside the Debtors’ Prison, verify the current seasonal tour dates and visitor arrangements with the town. Accomac is also a convenient starting point for planning other Eastern Shore outings; the town’s visitor pages offer regional suggestions, which may vary by season.[14][15]
Nearby places and attractions
Onancock, Virginia
A nearby Eastern Shore town with cultural attractions and a historic downtown.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Explore the island community and plan onward trips to the refuge and barrier-island landscape.
Virginia's Eastern Shore
Use Accomac as one stop on a broader trip through the region’s towns, waterways, and coastal nature.
Accomack County, Virginia
Find more county history and communities across Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Accomac Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Walking Tour, Town of Accomac, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ The Debtors’ Prison, Town of Accomac, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Accomac Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Walking Tour, Town of Accomac, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Walking Tour, Town of Accomac, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ The Debtors’ Prison, Town of Accomac, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Accomac Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Accomac Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Historical Overview, Town of Accomac, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Accomac Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Walking Tour, Town of Accomac, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Accomac Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ The Debtors’ Prison, Town of Accomac, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Things to Do, Town of Accomac, Town of Accomac. Retrieved 2026-10-23.