Southampton County, Virginia

Southampton_VA_courthouse

Southampton_County_VA_1895

Southampton County, Virginia

Southampton County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,996. Its county seat is Courtland.

History

Southampton County was established in 1749 from part of Isle of Wight County. The county is perhaps best known for the Nat Turner's slave rebellion in 1831, which was one of the largest slave uprisings in the United States. The rebellion resulted in the deaths of approximately 60 white people and led to a harsh crackdown on African Americans in the region.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 602 square miles (1,560 km²), of which 599 square miles (1,550 km²) is land and 3.1 square miles (8.0 km²) (0.5%) is water. The county is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area.

Adjacent counties

• Sussex County (north)
• Surry County (northeast)
• Isle of Wight County (east)
• City of Franklin (southeast)
• Greensville County (west)
• Hertford County, North Carolina (south)
• Northampton County, North Carolina (southwest)

Demographics

As of the census of 2020, there were 17,996 people, 6,800 households, and 4,800 families residing in the county. The population density was 30 people per square mile (12/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 60.2% White, 37.1% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

Economy

The economy of Southampton County is primarily based on agriculture, with significant contributions from forestry and manufacturing. The county is known for its production of peanuts, cotton, and soybeans.

Education

Southampton County Public Schools operates the public school system in the county. The county is also served by Paul D. Camp Community College in nearby Franklin.

Communities

Towns

• Boykins
• Branchville
• Capron
• Courtland (county seat)
• Ivor
• Newsoms

Unincorporated communities

• Drewryville
• Sedley

Notable People

• Nat Turner, leader of the 1831 slave rebellion
• Dred Scott, enslaved African American man who unsuccessfully sued for his freedom

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Southampton County, Virginia
• List of counties in Virginia