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New Kent County, Virginia

Coordinates: 37°31′N 77°00′W / 37.51°N 77.00°W / 37.51; -77.00
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New Kent County
County
Official seal of New Kent County
Seal
Map of Virginia highlighting New Kent County
Location within the U.S. state of Virginia
Map of the United States highlighting Virginia
Virginia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°31′N 77°00′W / 37.51°N 77°W / 37.51; -77
Country United States
State Virginia
Founded1654
SeatNew Kent
Area
 • Total223 sq mi (580 km2)
 • Water14 sq mi (40 km2)  6.23%
Population
 (2000)
 • Total13,462
 • Density60/sq mi (25/km2)
Websitewww.co.new-kent.va.us

New Kent County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a state of the United States. At the 2000 census, the population was 13,462. Its county seat is New KentTemplate:GR. It is located in the Richmond-Petersburg region and is a portion of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

History

New Kent County was established in 1654 from York County. The county is named for Kent, England. New Kent County is the birthplace of two U. S. Presidents' wives - Martha Washington and Letitia Christian Tyler. The church where George and Martha Washington are believed to have been wed, St. Peters, still holds services today. The Chickahominy Indians frequented this area as well as nearby Charles City County and two tribes are still well-established in this area.

Among the earliest settlers of New Kent County was Nicholas Gentry, who settled in New Kent in 1684. The parish register books of St. Peter's Parish show that Nicholas Gentry's daughter was baptized in the church in 1687. The records also reflect other Gentrys, probably Nicholas Gentry's relations, Peter and Samuel Gentry.[1] Many later county records were burned, making identifying relationships between family members difficult.

In 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau rated New Kent County among the top 100 fastest growing counties in America.[2]

New Kent County Courthouse, ca.1907.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 223 square miles (579 km²), of which 210 square miles (543 km²) is land and 14 square miles (36 km²) (6.23%) is water. The Chickahominy River borders the county to the south, the Pamunkey and York rivers border it to the north and east.

Adjacent counties

Demographics

At the 2000 censusTemplate:GR, there were 13,462 people, 4,925 households and 3,895 families residing in the county. The population density was 64 per square mile (25/km²). There were 5,203 housing units at an average density of 25 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 80.26% White, 16.20% Black or African American, 1.29% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. 1.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,925 households of which 34.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.60% were married couples living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.90% were non-families. 16.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 2.97.

Age distribution was 25.00% under the age of 18, 5.90% from 18 to 24, 32.00% from 25 to 44, 27.70% from 45 to 64, and 9.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 102.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.90 males.

The median household income was $53,595, and the median family income was $60,678. Males had a median income of $40,005 versus $28,894 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,893. 4.90% of the population and 3.40% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 7.40% are under the age of 18 and 7.00% are 65 or older.

Communities and towns

There are no incorporated towns in New Kent County. Unincorporated towns and communities include:

Schools

New Kent County has four schools within the school system. There are two elementary schools, New Kent Elementary, and George W. Watkins Elementary. The school system also includes New Kent Middle School and New Kent High School. All four schools are fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education. At the high school level various honors and advanced placement courses are available along with dual enrollment through Rappahannock Community College. Gifted and enrichment programs are offered in all grades K-12.

There are over 430 employees including 220 licensed teachers, four principals, and five assistant principals. The current superintendent is Rick Richardson, and the assistant superintendent is Ed Smith.

Transportation

Highways

  • Interstate 64 traverses the county, with four exits (205, 211, 214 and 220), roughly paralleling U.S. 60.
  • Major state highways include State Routes 30, 33, 106, 155, and 249.

Railroads

The county is crossed by the railroad tracks of CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern, but has no passenger rail stations. The nearest Amtrak service is at stations in Williamsburg and Richmond.

Air

New Kent Airport (W96) is in the county's western end near Quinton. It is a general aviation facility. Commercial passenger services and cargo services are offered at Richmond International Airport, which is located in adjacent Henrico County, about 10 miles west of Bottoms Bridge.

Attractions

Colonial Downs is Virginia's premier thoroughbred and standardbred horse racing facility.

New Kent Winery & Vineyards

Notable residents

Media

  • New Kent-Charles City Guide & Regional Directory: (http://www.newkentguideonline.com) Guide to the New Kent region featuring history, attractions, events, phone listings and business directory.
  • New Kent - Charles City Chronicle: Community newspaper, published every other week, with an advertising supplement published in weeks between.
  • New Kent Cablevision

References

  1. ^ The Gentry Family in America: 1676 to 1909, Richard Gentry, The Grafton Press, New York, 1909
  2. ^ "100 Fastest Growing Counties". U.S. Census Bureau.
  3. ^ Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896. Marquis Who's Who. 1967.

37°31′N 77°00′W / 37.51°N 77.00°W / 37.51; -77.00

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