VIRGINIA – A state steeped in the earliest chapters of American history, boasts a governmental structure that reaches back nearly four centuries. Long before its current configuration, the foundation of the Commonwealth was laid with the establishment of its first administrative divisions, known as shires. Created in 1634, these original shires represent the oldest counties in Virginia, offering a fascinating glimpse into the early organization and development of the colony.
The Genesis of Virginia: Unveiling the Commonwealth’s Oldest Counties
This article explores the establishment of these foundational counties and highlights the four that remain prominent parts……