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- Surry County was part of the original 1607 Jamestown Settlement. It was created as a separate county in 1652, and became a part of the Commonwealth of Virginia after the Revolutionary War. In 1676 local planter Nathanial Bacon led an uprising against the governor, driving him away and torching the capitol. A local house seized by Bacon during the uprising still stands, now popularly known as Bacon's Castle. The county raised artillery and cavalry units for the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
- Surry County is located at the edge of Virginia's tourist-friendly "Historic Triangle" of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. Although the county dates to the very beginning of European settlement in the area, its agricultural character has left relatively few historic attractions. Bacon's Castle is noteworthy as the oldest surviving home in the state. There are also a number of historic estates along the James River, including Chippokes National Park and Fort Smith. Although not important historically, a number of private homes and public buildings from various periods have also been preserved and restored throughout the county.
- Surry County is somewhat off the beaten path for tourism, and lodgings are sparse in the immediate area. Elberon itself has no commercial accommodations, but the nearby town of Surry boasts the Surrey House Restaurant and Country Inn, a family-owned business. West of Elberon the town of Wakefield offers the Wakefield Inn, and Waverley has the Melody Inn Motel. The Eastover Retreat Center in Spring Grove offers a variety of accommodations for groups or families near the James River. In any given year, a variety of private homes may also be available as vacation rentals or bed and breakfast operations.
- The historic Jamestown and Williamsburg areas are a short drive away, after riding the free Jamestown Ferry. South of Surry County is the beautifully restored town of Smithfield, also only about twenty minutes' drive. These communities offer a variety of accommodations in various styles and price ranges. The major chains are well represented. Noteworthy places to stay include Wedmore Place, Kingsmill Spa and Resort, and the Williamsburg White House. Lightwood Plantation House is the ultimate vacation rental, an 18th century home built on land that was part of Pocahontas' dowry.
History
Attractions
Accommodations in Elberon and Surry County
Nearby Historic Communities
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