In 1637, Arthur Smith patented 1450 acres in Isle of Wright County, VA. In 1750, Arthur Smith IV had the land surveyed and laid out as a town with 4 streets and 72 lots. Each lot was sold for today's equivalent of $7. Smithfield has a wonderful historic district that is listed on the National Historic Register. It has a delightful mixture of Colonial, Federal, Georgian and Victorian homes and buildings.
This is the Pembroke Decatur Gwaltney, Jr. House, a Queen Anne style of Victorian architecture. It was built in 1876 for P.D. Gwaltney Jr. who restarted the meat curing packing company started by Mallory Todd.
As above.
Same as above. It took over two years to build with its turrets, towers, gables, stained glass windows, tiled roof, and portecochere.
Detail from above.
This is the Thomas House, build about 1889 for Richard Thomas, a prominent Smithfield lawyer and historian.
The original part of this house was built in the 1870s or 80s. Victorian additions were made by the Todds who owned and lived in it from 1888 to 1908.
Built in 1881 for R.E. Boykin.
I believe this is the Folk-Gwaltney-Moore house built in 1875 in the Victorian style. Its back yard has access to the Pagan River.
The Dutch-roofed section was built before 1752. In 1821, the two-story annex was added. The William Folk family owned the house for 110 years.
Not sure about this house. I think it is the Holloway house built in 1897.
As we walked the streets we were impressed with walkways, entrances and gardens that welcomed and added a sense of peace to the street.
Statues were common.
Headquarters of Smithfield Meats.
They serve really good food, especially their fried green tomatoes!
Closer perspective.
This was one of the first buildings to be erected in Smithfield. It was the home of Captain Samuel Wentworth. It was unoccupied for over 40 years before being restored in the 1950s.
Detail from Christ Episcopal Church built in 1830.
A black and white image of the above.
Erected in 1826 as a private school for you men. In 1872 it became a public school and later a Masonic Lodge. It was restored in 1963 and is now used by Trinity United Methodist Church.
There are vast open areas around Smithfield and all of them are easily accessible.
By far the largest magnolia tree we have seen.
Smithfield has always been a river town. This is one of several marinas on the Pagan River.
Smithfield hosts a car show on Main Street on selected Friday nights. Tom, of course, was there.
I don't remember who this important gentleman was. The detail in the sculptures is impressive.
Smithfield Ham is processed in Smithfield. No surprise that these 'porkers' are found around town with art depicting various aspects of Smithfield lifestyle.
Detail from above.
Finally, we took a lot of photographs of things we saw along our numerous walks. Fun stuff.
Taken through the front window of our coach. Friendly neighbor!
Playing at the car show.
Good night!