Southampton County, Virginia
Southampton County is located in southeastern Virginia along the North Carolina border. With deep historical roots and a strong rural character, the county offers a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of stories from the past. Courtland, the county seat, is a small community with plenty of local charm.
The county is especially known for its connection to the 1831 Nat Turner rebellion, an important and difficult chapter in American history. Southampton County was established in 1749 after being formed from part of Isle of Wight County, giving it a long and complex heritage.
Much of the landscape is made up of farmland and forests, with the Nottoway River flowing through the area. Agriculture remains important, particularly peanut farming, which has long been a major part of the local economy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Southampton County |
| County Seat | Courtland |
| Population | Approximately 18,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Courtland, Franklin (independent city but surrounded by county), Boykins, Capron, Ivor, Newsoms |
| Interstates and Highways | US-58, US-35, VA-186 |
| FIPS Code | 51-175 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 602 sq mi (Land: 599 sq mi; Water: 3 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Surry County (North), Isle of Wight County (Northeast), Franklin City (East), Suffolk City (Southeast), Hertford County, North Carolina (South), Northampton County, North Carolina (Southwest), Greensville County (West), Sussex County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Virginia |
| Coordinates | 36.6956° N, 77.0796° W |
| Etymology | Likely named after the county of Southampton in England |
| Major Landmarks | Nat Turner Trail, Cypress Bridge Swamp Natural Area Preserve, Southampton Heritage Village & Agriculture Forestry Museum |