| Tappahannock,
Virginia is the county seat of Essex
County, Virginia. Its name comes from the Algonquian
language (a subfamily of Native American languages), meaning
"river of quick, rising water" or "where the
tide ebbs and flows." Tappahannock is located on the
Rappahannock River. Captain John Smith first visited this area
in 1608. Whe he attempted to land, Native Americans drove him
fiercely back to his ship. In the mid 1600's, Jacob Hobbs
established a trading pos heret. For a few years the area was
known as Hobb's Hole and later as New Plymouth. The original
name was returned in 1705.
Tappahannock, VA is located 45 miles northeast of Richmond,
VA. As of the 2000
US Census, the town had a total population of 2,068,
residing in a landmass of 2.7 square miles. The median
household income is $33,688, and the median income for a
family is $41,579.
Tappahannock
Elementary School is the home of Project A.Q.U.A.
(Assuring Quality Understanding through Achievement). A look
at their calendar of special events shows a school system
advanced in the area of extra-circular academic activities.
Tappahannock, VA is home to a prestigious boarding and college
preparatory school for girls, St.
Margaret's. Founded in 1921 as one of the church schools
in the Diocese
of Virginia, and a member of the Virginia
Association of Independent Schools, St. Margaret's offers
a boarding and day college preparatory program for girls in
grades 8-12. A diverse student body of 150, representing
approximately 12 countries and 14 states, maintains a 6:1
student-faculty ratio, a unique advisor/advisee relationship,
and a 99 percent college attendance rate. Located on the banks
of the Rappahannock River in historic Tappahannock, Virginia,
St. Margaret's boasts a winning combination: a river front
campus in a small town with convenient access to the
educational and cultural resources of Richmond,
Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Washington, D.C., and
Baltimore.
Tappahannock-Essex
Chamber of Commerce offers special training and seminar
programs that are helpful to businesses and individuals on
important topics. The Chamber also provides a voice for small
businesses in the legislative process and an opportunity for
local business people to network and provide referrals to each
other.
Those visiting
Tappahannock, Virginia will find quaint historic Bed
and Breakfasts as well as modern Super 8 and Days Inn
Motels. You’ll want to take at least one meal at the
well-known Hobb’s
Hole Restaurant. If you’re looking for standard American
fast food, this riverside town has them all, from Burger King
to Wendy’s in their 2.7 square miles.
The most popular attraction for visitors is right at your
front door in Tappahannock and that’s the Rappahannock
River. The Rappahannock River flows from its origin at
Chester Gap in Fauquier County, approximately 184 miles to the
Chesapeake
Bay. The first 62 miles, from the headwaters to Mayfield
Bridge (Fredericksburg), are designated State Scenic River.
The Rappahannock River’s character changes abruptly in
Fredericksburg at the fall line (the limit of tidal
influence). Above the fall line, the river is usually clear,
swift, and dominant substrates are bedrock, boulder and cobble
– perfect habitat for small mouth bass and related species.
However, below Route 1 the river is tidal, and the substrate
is finer – dominated by sand, and the water is frequently
murky. Canoeing,
camping and white water rafting are the entertaining
attractions on this gorgeous unspoiled river. Fishing is open
to all of the waters of the Rappahannock River and tributaries
with an approved Virginia
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries license.
Tappahannock Rt. 360 bridge is the designated boundary between
the Saltwater and Freshwater tidal waters.
The town of Tappahannock, Virginia made a cameo appearance in
Michael Moore's 2004 film Fahrenheit 9/11.
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