Friday, September 24, 2010

Mathews

" 'Nobody goes through Mathews to get anywhere" is a common saying.  It refers, of course, to the unique geography.  With few exceptions, roads that start in or enter this peninsular county end at the water.

Over the years, the distinction of Mathews as the 'end of the line' has added to its singular quality. Because it is not along the beaten path, people have sought the county out for its special charms.  Mathews has become a haven for retirees, looking for a slower pace in a quiet waterfront setting.

Mathews is a land rich in history that predates the formation of the county in 1791.  In 1776Lord Dunmore, the last royal governor of Virginia, put out to sea after losing the Battle of Gwynns Island. The rivers and inlets of Mathews County served as a base for the Confederate Coast Guard during the Civil War.

But what attracts most people to Mathews--those who move in and the natives who stay--are its picturesque waterways in a hometown atmosphere and its friendly residents.  Some things still haven't changed after 200 years." - From the April 25, 1991, Bicentennial Collector's Edition of the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal.

"Indeed some things haven't changed much after 200 years, and that's a very good thing.  But if there's any way we can get a good Thai or Vietnamese restaurant in town, that would be one change I'd ardently support. Thank you." - CBW

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzwImFhNig8



mer

deborah said...

Very interesting facts about Mathews! I could live there!

Daryl said...

I love it there .. its one of the nicest places I have had the pleasure of staying .... maybe its a combo of the people, like you, and the nearness of the water .. whatever it is, its wonderful and I am looking forward to my next visit!

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

I love it there!
<><

Kay L. Davies said...

I love end-of-the-road places. And yours looks wonderful. Be careful or the world will come thronging to get there, and it will be wall-to-wall retirement condos.

Kay
Alberta, Canada

Mental P Mama said...

Paradise.

BayBrowder said...

We are among the the retirees that have moved to Mathews, a water wonderland and rural county with a quaint village and friendly people. We moved to wonderful Mathews from also wonderful Salem, VA 3 1/2 years ago.
Regarding today's blog, the commanding general at the Battle of Gwynn's Island (aka the Battle of Cricket Hill) was Andrew Lewis. Andrew Lewis home, Richfield, and his plantation occupied what is now Salem. General Lewis' grave is in a prominant location in East Hill Cemetary in Salem. I am a graduate (fifty years ago) of Andrew Lewis High School, now a modern remodeled and rebuilt middle school. Small world.....perhaps Salem and Mathews should become sister communities.

Country Girl said...

Amen, my friend.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

mer-For some reason I've not been able to load the song today, the 3 times I've tried. Hopefully over the weekend I'll get on to a different computer and listen - but thank you in advance.

Baybrowder - You continue to amaze me with your stories. Thank you for contributing this bit of info on Andrew Lewis. (And remember to send me photos of the dogs that need to be adopted.)

Thanks for commenting, everyone, and Happy Friday.