ABOUT VIRGINIA: Tappahannock, VA

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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