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Smithfield has many of the charms associated with Hampton Roads communities, including 18th & 19th Century architecture, a revitalized historic downtown, and all the character of a former colonial seaport. According to the Virginia Landmarks Register, Smithfield is "perhaps the best preserved of Virginia's Colonial seaports."
Located in Isle of Wight County, Smithfield has a population of approximately 6,500 (2000 Census population - 6,324) and is approximately 10.1 square miles in size. Smithfield offers residents a small-town atmosphere, a good school system, affordable housing, a historic downtown, and a new state-of-the-art community/conference center,The Smithfield Center. According to the Virginia Review, Smithfield is "without a doubt, one of the prettiest towns in Virginia." |
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Nurtured by trade and commerce, Smithfield soon became a town of industry with four plants devoted to the art of curing the world famous "Smithfield Ham" . Once a commercial center for shipping, Smithfield has evolved to host one of the area's largest meat-processing industries as well as the home to one of Hampton Roads' largest employers - Smithfield Foods, Inc. - a Fortune 500 company with its corporate headquarters in Smithfield. Smithfield was just recently named "one of the 50 best small southern towns". |
| Economic Assets |
For more than two centuries, the colonial town of Smithfield, Virginia, founded in 1752, has been shipping the finest hams to satisfied customers around the world. Today, thanks to the vision of a Virginia family and its patriarch, Joseph Luter, that tradition not only continues but has grown into something of a legend.
One of Smithfield's greatest economic asset has been the well-known and nationally respected meat packing industry. Meat packing is principally produced by Smithfield Packing Co. and Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd. , both subsidiaries of Smithfield Foods, Inc. , a Fortune 500 Company with its corporate headquarters located in Smithfield. Smithfield Foods, Inc. is the largest hog producer and pork producer in the world with companies located throughout the U.S. and Canada, in France, Poland, Japan and elsewhere.
Smithfield Foods, Inc. also owns The Smithfield Companies, Inc. . The Smithfield Companies, Inc. is a diversified producer of specialty food products. Smithfield Ham & Products, which is a subsidiary of the Smithfield Companies, Inc., is located in Smithfield.
Smithfield Hams delivers the taste and tradition of Smithfield Hams, Basses Choice and Gwaltney right to your doorstep. So whether you're hosting an elegant holiday dinner, cooking for a casual family picnic, or just shopping for the perfect gift - be sure to make Smithfield a tradition around your family's table. Bring home the taste and tradition of classic Virginia with world-famous hams direct from Smithfield, Virginia. Experience the essence of Southern elegance and hospitality with exclusive gift collections, Virginia peanuts, smoked turkeys & seafood, tasty pound cakes, and more! |
| History |
Smithfield and surrounding Isle of Wight County are as old as Virginia itself, having been first colonized in 1634. Located on the banks of the Pagan River, and lying on the opposite shore of the James River, across from Jamestown, the area was soon discovered by Captain John Smith and other early settlers. Smithfield and surrounding counties saw action during the Revolutionary War and Civil War, mainly because of its proximity to the James River.
Smithfield was born on the banks of the Pagan River and incorporated in 1752 by Arthur Smith IV. "Nurtured by trade and commerce, Smithfield was, from its very beginning, a 'river town', and its whole life and growth have been conditioned by the river." (Smithfield A Pictorial History, Segar Cofer Dashiell) . Arthur Smith IV parceled out his family farm into 72 lots and 4 streets to house British merchants and ship captains (see picture right - click on the picture to see a larger version). Today, as you walk the streets of the Town, you will find that Smithfield still has it's historical charm. Smithfield's Historic District boasts over 70 buildings of exceptional architectural importance, including residences of the Colonial, Federal and Victorian periods. In 1999, Smithfield completed a decade long Main Street Beautification Project. |
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