Accomack County, Virginia
Accomack County is a United States county located in the eastern edge of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Together, Accomack and Northampton counties make up the Eastern Shore of Virginia, which in turn is part of the Delmarva Peninsula, bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Accomac is the county seat.
Accomack County | |
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Accomack County Courthouse | |
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Seal | |
Location within the U.S. state of Virginia | |
Virginia's location within the U.S. | |
| Coordinates: 37°46′N 75°46′W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| Founded | 1671 |
| Seat | Accomac |
| Largest town | Chincoteague |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,310 sq mi (3,400 km2) |
| • Land | 450 sq mi (1,200 km2) |
| • Water | 861 sq mi (2,230 km2) 65.7% |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 33,413 |
| • Density | 26/sq mi (9.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 2nd |
| Website | www |
The Eastern Shore of Virginia was known as "Accomac Shire," until it was renamed Northampton County in 1642. The present Accomack County was created from Northampton County in 1663. The county and the original shire were named for the Accawmack Indians, who resided in the area when the English first explored it in 1603.
As of the 2020 census, the total population was 33,413 people. The population of Accomack has remained relatively stable over the 20th century, though Accomack is one of the poorest parts of Virginia.