Enjoy harness racing in the fall and thoroughbred racing in the summer at
Colonial Downs.
Photo by Jeff Coady
NEW KENT COUNTY
New Kent was inhabited by Native Americans hundreds of years before the arrival
of the first Europeans. The Spanish visited the area in the 1500s in search of
gold, then 100 years later Captain John Smith explored the area before being
captured by natives. Officially created in 1654, New Kent takes its name from
County Kent, England.
The county's historical contributions include being the home of Chief Powhatan
and his daughter, Pocahontas, and being the site of the end of Bacon's
Rebellion, an uprising of Virginia farmers who rebelled against the governor
for failing to protect them from Indian raids. It also is the only county in
the nation to be the birthplace and marriage place of two Presidents' wives -
Martha Washington and Letitia Christian Tyler. The Washingtons were married in
St. Peter's Church, which continues to hold services today, and Mrs. Tyler, one
of only two First Ladies to die while her husband was in office, is buried in
New Kent. Other historical attractions in New Kent include Fort James and Fort
Royal, built to protect New Kent from Indian attacks, and Brickhouse, the first
colonial port town incorporated on the York River.
New Kent County has had a courthouse in the same spot
since 1695.
Photo by Al Wekelo
Surrounded by the Chickahominy, Pamunkey and York rivers, New Kent County sits
squarely between Richmond and Williamsburg. Outdoor enthusiasts love fishing,
boating and hunting in the county's three rivers, large reservoir and acres of
woodlands. Golfers can practice their skills at Royal New Kent, ranked in the
top 100 public golf courses by Golf Digest magazine, or Brickshire, a Curtis
Strange-designed course. If your interests include horse racing, check out
Colonial Downs, the first pari-mutuel horse racing track in Virginia where race
winners divide the total amount bet in proportion to their wagers. Featuring
thoroughbred, standardbred and harness horse racing and off-track betting,
Colonial Downs's 1.25 mile track is second only to Belmont Park, NY in length.
More than 13,000 Virginians live in New Kent. The historic community of
Providence Forge was established in 1770 with the building of a forge, sawmill
and blacksmith shop. Brickshire's golf-centric community has golf, swimming,
tennis and walking and equestrian trails. Patriot's Landing, the county's
newest development, has nearly 700 homes in a village-style development.
For a complete listing of New Kent County attractions, search below or
click here to visit the New Kent County website.