ESSEX.
Essex was formed in 1692, from a part of (old) Rappahannock
county. It lies on the S. side of the Rappahannock, about 30 miles
NE. of Richmond. Its length is 28 miles; mean breadth 10 miles.
In the western part it is slightly hilly, and its soil, except on the
margin of the streams, generally sandy. The county, however,
produces large crops of corn, considerable wheat and oats, and
some cotton and tobacco. Pop. in 1840, whites 3,955, slaves 6,756,
free colored 598; total, 11,309.
Tappahannoc, port of entry and seat of justice for the county,
lies on the Rappahannock, 50 miles from its mouth in Chesapeake
Bay, and contains about 30 dwellings. It has a good harbor, and
all the shipping belonging to the towns on the river is entered at
the custom-house in this place; tonnage in 1840, 4,591. Loretto
is a small village one mile from the Rappahannock, in the
NE. part of the county.
