About

General Nathaniel Green, who marched through the County after the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.The historical record is not clear as to who founded Greensville County. The area was first explored in 1670, but not settled until around 1710. Hicksford, the first community, was developed where the Fort Road (known today as the Dry Bread Road) connecting eastern Virginia to Fort Christianna (in Brunswick County) crossed the Meherrin River. The Town of Emporia was centrally located in Greensville County and was designated as the county seat when the county government was created in 1781. The present courthouse was erected there in 1787. In 1796, the Town of Hicksford was started on one bank of the Meherrin River and in 1798, the Town of Belfield was started on the opposite bank. In 1887, these two villages merged to become Emporia.

Military incidents occurring in the county since its formation include General Cornwaillis and his army marching through in May 1781, and General Tarleton raiding throughout the region with small skirmishes. During the War Between the States, Confederate General Wade Hampton spent much time defending the railroad and railroad bridge that crossed through the county. A skirmish at the bridge across the Meherrin is known as the Belfield Skirmish.

– Blount’s Tavern, the Americans were held captive by the British
– Merherrin River was a travel path for soldiers to cross over from NC to Emporia and Greensville County, VA.

Greensville County and the City of Emporia are planning to meet this month to narrow down our events for this year. The last time we met we talked about doing a wine festival and include booths with historical facts around the Revolutionary War. Our hope is that we can create an exciting learning experience for our community. The committee members also talked about planning an event around the mobile museum once it is in our area. We have not decided on an event, but these are two ideas we have so far. We would like to have two events this year, one in the spring/summer and one in the fall.

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