Virginia Rivers · VA
Smithfield
The ham capital, on the Pagan River.
- Population
- 8,533 (2020 census)
- Founded
- 1752
- Smithfield ham
- Defined by law in 1926
Then
- 1680s
St. Luke's Church, now a National Historic Landmark, is completed nearby.
- 1752
Arthur Smith IV establishes Smithfield as a seaport on the Pagan River.
- 1926
The General Assembly defines “Smithfield ham”: it must be processed within town limits.
Now
Smithfield Foods, the world's largest pork processor, is based here. Burwell Bay on the James is part of this stretch.
2 tide stations around Smithfield
- Smithfield, Pagan Riverin town
- Burwell Bay5.5 mi