Northampton County, Virginia

VIRGINIA.WIKI

Northampton County, Virginia

Virginia local guide

[[File:|2400px|alt=]]

VIRGINIA’S EASTERN SHORE

Northampton County

Bay beaches, historic towns, working waterfronts and protected coastal landscapes on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

Region
Virginia's Eastern Shore

Type
Coastal county

County seat
Eastville

Known for
Historic court green, Cape Charles, wildlife and the Chesapeake Bay

Northampton County occupies the southern portion of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the long peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic-facing seaside. Its landscape shifts between bayside towns, farms and marshes, with protected natural areas and barrier-island waters along the coast. For visitors, the county combines a relaxed coastal getaway with a remarkably deep history: start with a walk through Eastville, explore Cape Charles, or make time for birding and trails near the southern tip of the Shore.

U.S. Route 13 is the county’s main north–south road, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connects the southern end of the Eastern Shore with Hampton Roads. County highlights include the historic buildings and court green in Eastville, the waterfront and historic streets of Cape Charles, and outdoor destinations such as Kiptopeke State Park and the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. The Eastern Shore’s islands, waterways and rural character reward an unhurried visit; check official park, refuge and attraction information before setting out, as conditions and visitor access can change.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan a trip to Northampton County

Places to stay

Compare hotels and accommodations for your trip.

Expedia

Affiliate disclosure: Virginia.wiki may earn a commission when you book or purchase through some links on this page, at no additional cost to you.

Why visit Northampton County?

Northampton County is a good fit for travelers who want coastal scenery without a conventional resort strip. Cape Charles offers a walkable historic center and Chesapeake Bay shoreline, while inland Eastville gives the trip a strong sense of place through its courthouse complex and long civic history. Beyond the towns, the county’s preserved shorelines, wildlife habitat and water-based recreation make it an appealing base for nature-focused exploring.

The county’s cultural story is closely tied to the water and the land: farming, fishing and coastal communities shaped life here, while the historic courthouse green records centuries of local government. The result is a destination where a museum visit, a small-town stroll and a trail or shoreline stop can all fit into the same day.

What to see and do

Cape Charles, Virginia

Explore the historic railroad town’s downtown, waterfront, shops and Chesapeake Bay beach. Confirm current beach access and local visitor information before traveling.

Eastville Historic Court Green

Visit the county seat’s historic courthouse grounds, where the 1731 courthouse and other preserved buildings tell the story of local government on the Eastern Shore. Northampton County says court records have been continuous from 1632; the Declaration of Independence was read from the courthouse steps on August 13, 1776. Check the county’s current visitor information for building access and hours.

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

At the southern end of the peninsula, the refuge protects important habitat for migratory birds and insects. Visitors can explore trails and use the Wise Point Boat Ramp; consult the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for current facilities, access and visitor-center information.

Kiptopeke State Park

Enjoy Chesapeake Bay access, trails, birding, fishing and camping at this coastal state park near Cape Charles. Services and facilities vary by season; check the official park page for current conditions, fees and reservations.

Barrier Islands Center

In Machipongo, this museum interprets the culture and history of Virginia’s barrier-island communities through exhibits and artifacts. It occupies the former Almshouse Farm, a historic complex with buildings dating from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Confirm opening details before visiting.

Virginia’s barrier-island coast

The barrier islands and surrounding waters are a defining part of the Eastern Shore’s seaside landscape. Much of this coast is protected, and visitor access is subject to location-specific rules; check guidance from local conservation and tourism organizations before planning a boat or island excursion.

History and character

The Eastern Shore has a long record of settlement and local government. Northampton County’s official history describes the peninsula as one of Virginia’s original shires and records the change from the name Accomack to Northampton in 1643. In 1663, the peninsula was divided, with the northern portion becoming Accomack County and the southern portion retaining the name Northampton.

Eastville’s court green is a particularly tangible place to encounter that history. The county’s records trace continuous court proceedings from 1632, and the 1731 courthouse remains among the historic buildings on the green. The site also connects local history to the American Revolution: the county reports that the Declaration of Independence was publicly read there in August 1776.

In Cape Charles, the arrival of railroad development in the late nineteenth century helped transform a landscape of farms and wetlands into a town with a harbor and commercial center. Today, Northampton’s character remains tied to its coastal setting: agriculture, seafood, small towns and protected natural areas all shape the visitor experience.

Planning a visit

• Getting there: U.S. Route 13 runs the length of the Eastern Shore. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel provides the southern connection across the Chesapeake Bay; check its official site for current travel information before departure.
• Choose a base: Cape Charles is a useful starting point for the county’s southern waterfront and outdoor sites. Eastville is a natural stop for courthouse history, while smaller communities and rural roads offer a slower look at the county.
• Allow time for the outdoors: Refuge and state-park visits are best planned around the specific site, season and activity. Review current access, hours, fees, reservations and rules directly with the managing agency.
• Respect protected places: Barrier-island environments are sensitive, and access rules differ by site. Confirm permissions and guidance before boating, landing or exploring.
• Look beyond Northampton: The county is the southern part of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, with Accomack County, Virginia to the north and other Shore communities reachable along Route 13.

Nearby places and attractions

Virginia's Eastern Shore
Explore the broader peninsula’s coastal towns, farmland, wildlife and waterways.

Accomack County, Virginia
Continue north along the Eastern Shore to the neighboring county and its towns and coastal destinations.

Cape Charles, Virginia
A historic bayside town with a waterfront, downtown streets and access to the Chesapeake Bay.

Kiptopeke State Park
A state park offering outdoor recreation on the Chesapeake Bay near the southern end of the Shore.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
The bridge-tunnel links the southern end of Virginia’s Eastern Shore with Hampton Roads.

Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

References

External links

• Northampton County Visitors
• Visit ESVA — Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission
• Kiptopeke State Park — Virginia State Parks
• Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge — U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• Barrier Islands Center