King and Queen County, Virginia

VIRGINIA.WIKI

King and Queen County, Virginia

Virginia local guide

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MIDDLE PENINSULA • PLACE IN VIRGINIA

King and Queen County

An elongated, rural county shaped by the Mattaponi and York rivers, with courthouse history, small communities and quiet-water paddling.

Region
Middle Peninsula

Type
Rural county

County seat
King and Queen Court House

Known for
River landscapes, local history and the Courthouse Tavern Museum

King and Queen County is a place to explore at a slower pace: follow country roads between historic communities, visit the county’s courthouse district, or plan time on the water. The county’s visitor guide highlights paddling on the Mattaponi and York rivers and in Dragon Run, while its history pages trace the area’s long connections to rivers, roads and settlement.

The county was formed in 1691 from New Kent County. Its courthouse community offers a particularly tangible introduction to local history, while the surrounding landscape invites a more outdoors-focused visit. As many historic properties are private, distinguish between places to visit and buildings best appreciated from the public road; check directly with attractions before setting out.

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Why visit King and Queen County?

Come for a combination of rural Tidewater scenery and local stories rather than a dense itinerary of major attractions. The county’s waterways and creeks shape its landscapes and outdoor recreation, and the Courthouse Green brings together public buildings and historic structures in the county seat. The visitor guide presents paddling, hiking, biking and fishing as ways to experience the area; conditions, access and any guided outings should be confirmed with the relevant provider before travel.

What to see and do

King and Queen Courthouse Tavern Museum

Start with the county’s history at a museum operated by the King and Queen County Historical Society in partnership with the county. Its exhibits interpret local life and the surrounding area, and its research collection includes books, photographs, letters, maps and artifacts. The museum currently lists limited seasonal Friday hours and encourages advance appointments; confirm current opening arrangements before visiting.

King and Queen Courthouse Green Historic District

See the historic courthouse precinct, where public buildings and other structures chart the development of a rural county seat. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources describes a district that includes the courthouse, an 1860s clerk’s office and jail, Fairy Tavern, Immanuel Episcopal Church and other buildings. Some properties are private; respect property boundaries and view them from public rights-of-way.

Mattaponi River and Dragon Run paddling

Plan a paddle on the Mattaponi or York rivers, or look into a trip on Dragon Run. The county visitor guide describes mostly self-guided paddling, with guided excursions sometimes available through organizations such as Friends of Dragon Run. Check launch access, water conditions, equipment needs and guide availability in advance.

Walkerton and the Mattaponi

Walkerton’s story is closely tied to river crossings and transport. The county history describes it as a former ferry and steamboat stop, with a past that included mills, stores and a vegetable cannery. The community remains a useful point of reference for visitors exploring the river corridor; confirm current public access before planning a launch or riverside stop.

History and character

King and Queen County was created from New Kent County in 1691 and named for King William III and Queen Mary II. Its original territory extended west toward the heads of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers; portions were later separated to form King William and Caroline counties. The county’s visitor history also notes that roads such as the route now associated with Route 14 followed paths that connected Indigenous communities.

The courthouse area has endured repeated upheaval. Virginia’s historic-register account says a courthouse was established at the site in 1691; during the Civil War, Union troops burned the courthouse, clerk’s office and jail, and the buildings were rebuilt in 1866. The surviving district reflects the changing civic life of a rural county seat, and court functions continue there.

The county’s history also includes Indigenous communities, schooling, agriculture and river commerce. Its local history guide recounts the 1716 journey of Governor Alexander Spotswood’s party through the county on its expedition toward the Blue Ridge, as well as the role of river crossings and taverns in later travel and trade. These accounts are a starting point for learning about a layered history, not a substitute for the perspectives of the communities whose histories are described.

Planning a visit

King and Queen County is rural, so plan your route and stops before arriving. The county visitor guide identifies Route 14, known locally as The Trail, as a road running through the county; check a current map for the route between your intended stops.

For the Courthouse Tavern Museum, verify seasonal hours and arrange an appointment if appropriate. Its published visitor information lists Friday opening hours during part of 2026, recommends advance notice for appointments, and gives admission as free with donations appreciated; these details can change, so confirm with the museum before travel.

For a paddling outing, confirm launch location, access, weather and river conditions before departure. Guided trips may be offered by outside organizations, but availability is not guaranteed by the county visitor guide.

Nearby places and attractions

King William County, Virginia
A neighboring county with its own river landscapes and historic sites.

Middlesex County, Virginia
Continue east across the Middle Peninsula toward Chesapeake Bay communities.

Essex County, Virginia
Explore another rural Tidewater county along the Rappahannock River.

West Point, Virginia
A nearby river town at the meeting of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers.

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References

External links

• Visit King and Queen County — official visitor guide
• King & Queen Courthouse Tavern Museum
• King and Queen Courthouse Green Historic District — Virginia Department of Historic Resources
• King and Queen County government