A small unincorporated community in Northumberland County, Reedville tends to fly a bit under the radar. But that certainly wasn’t the case in the late 1800s, when Reedville was once the single wealthiest place in the entire country. Today, you’ll find fascinating evidence of the town’s wealth as made evident by the lavish architecture that remains today. If you’re anything like us, you’ll love the opportunity to stroll down the town’s main street, admiring both the historic homes and the views of the water. Learn more about the fascinating history of Reedville, Virginia, and what it’s like to visit today.

Just east of Heathsville, Virginia, the tiny town of Reedville can be found on Virginia's Northern Neck, near the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay.
Wikipedia
The town is steeped in fishing history, as the mid-Atlantic coastal waters are abundant in menhaden (a small oily fish).
Beth C. / OnlyInYourState
The town is named for Elijah Reed, a sea captain who traveled to the area from Maine in 1874.
Reid Kasprowicz / flickr
Reed brought a technique he had learned in Maine that would allow the fishermen to extract a large amount of oil from the fish.
Virginia Humanities / flickr
The oil could be used in lighting, just like whale oil. The carcasses could then be used as fertilizer, which was a method learned from the Native Americans.
Wikipedia

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Due to the success of the menhaden fishing industry, the town became the wealthiest in the U.S. in the late 1800s. An established neighborhood known as "Millionaire's Row" was built, and a couple of the homes are on the National Register of Historic Places.
V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA / flickr
Today, Reedville continues to be a fishing town, and Omega Protein is the main industry in the area.
Beth C. / OnlyInYourState
Walking around town, you'll notice many of the historic mansions as well as modern-day businesses.
Taber Andrew Bain / flickr
Some main points of interest include the Reedville Fisherman's Museum.
Another point of interest that we'd highly recommend is Chitterchats Ice Cream Parlor, the local ice cream shop.
Chitterchats Ice Cream Parlor / Facebook
Open since 2004, it's one of the best spots in the region to enjoy a cup or a cone.
Chitterchats Ice Cream Parlor / Facebook

Reedville is also a popular place to catch the ferry to Tangier Island, Virginia.

For a little more travel inspiration, check out this breathtaking drone footage of Reedville. We bet you’ll be packing your bags in no time!

Did you know about the fascinating history of Reedville, Virginia? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! Looking for related content? Check out our list of some of the most historic small towns in Virginia. Looking for a place to stay while you’re in the area? Take a look at these unique places to stay near the Chesapeake Bay.

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More to Explore

Small Towns In Virginia

Beth C. | October 03, 2023

What are some of the most charming small towns to visit in Virginia?

Virginia is abundant in charming small towns, so it's a bit of a challenge to narrow it down to a short list. That being said, here are some of our favorite small towns to visit in Virginia:

  • Chincoteague -- home of wild island ponies
  • Abingdon -- named one of the best Southern small towns by USA Today
  • Smithfield -- nicknamed the "Ham Capital of the World"
  • Middleburg -- where you'll find one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the U.S.
  • Lexington -- the state's most charming college town
  • Onancock -- a hidden gem of the Eastern Shore

 

Of course, these are just a handful of many, many visit-worthy small towns in Virginia. To delve deeper into what makes these places so special, check out our full article outlining some of the most historic and charming small towns in Virginia.

What are the best beach towns in Virginia?

One of the best parts about living in Virginia is enjoying access to the coast. Below you'll find a list of the best beach towns in Virginia:

  • Cape Charles
  • Chincoteague
  • Virginia Beach
  • Tangier Island
  • Onancock
  • Wachapreague
  • Norfolk
  • Mathews County
  • Colonial Beach

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Reedville, VA 22539, USA