Mathews County, Virginia
Mathews County is surrounded by water on three sides, occupying a small peninsula that reaches into the Chesapeake Bay along Virginia’s Middle Peninsula. With its extensive shoreline, coastal living is an important part of everyday life here.
Beaches, marinas, and waterfront communities can be found throughout the county, while boating and fishing remain popular pastimes. Local watermen continue the region’s long-standing seafood traditions, bringing in fresh blue crabs and oysters from the bay.
Covering only about 84 square miles of land, Mathews County may be small, but it has plenty of character. Mathews serves as the county seat and main community. Hurricane Isabel caused significant damage here in 2003, but residents rebuilt and recovered with determination.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Mathews County |
| County Seat | Mathews |
| Population | Approximately 8,500 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Mathews, Gwynn’s Island, Hudgins, Bohannon |
| Interstates and Highways | VA-14, VA-198 |
| FIPS Code | 51-115 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 252 sq mi (Land: 87 sq mi; Water: 165 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Middlesex County (North), Gloucester County (Southwest), York County (South) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Virginia |
| Coordinates | 37.4364° N, 76.3210° W |
| Etymology | Named after Thomas Mathews, Revolutionary War general |
| Major Landmarks | New Point Comfort Lighthouse, Mathews Maritime Museum, Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve |