Gloucester County is located on the north shore of the York River. Having witnessed many of the events which shaped our country, its history is rich and fascinating.
As stated in the Gloucester Museum of History's publications, the history of Gloucester County began soon after the settlement of Jamestown in 1607. Named for Henry, Duke of Gloucester, third son of Charles I, Gloucester County figured prominently in the history of the colony and the Commonwealth of Virginia. When English settlers arrived at Jamestown in 1607, the Indian stronghold of Chief Powhatan was located on the north side of the river in Gloucester. It was here that Powhatan built his home, Werowocomoco. According to legend, his daughter, Princess Pocahantas saved the gallant Captain John Smith from a tragic death at the hands of the Indians, and thus, entered the pages of Virginia’s history.
We invite you to browse the large amount of additional information found on the museum’s web site at http://www.co.gloucester.va.us/museum/historyhome.htm.
The Gloucester County Tourism Bureau actively organizes a variety of enjoyable and educational recreational and cultural activities in the County. Be sure to visit their Visitor Information Center on Main Street in the Court Circle in the historic downtown district. Additional information is available at www.gloucesterva.info/pr/tourism.htm.
A few other web sites which may be of interest as follows:
The Gazette Journal Newspaper
http://www.gazettejournal.com/
Gloucester County Government
http://www.co.gloucester.va.us/
Profile of the County
http://www.city-data.com/city/Gloucester-Courthouse-Virginia.html
