HIDDEN GEMS
Captain John Smith sailed from Jamestown in 1608 to chart the Chesapeake Bay. When Smith first discovered Onancock, he was so struck by the beauty that he called it "the Gem of the Eastern Shore." Onancock is a treasure trove of hidden gems just waiting for you to discover.
John Smith Stood Here
Imagine what John Smith felt as he stood at Onancock Landing, now a serene park adjacent to the Town Wharf. A special plaque commemorates the dedication of this park as part of the National John Smith Trail, a 3000-mile series of water routes along the Chesapeake Bay that trace his voyages.
Ancient Oak Tree
The majestic White Oak of Queen Street is over 200 years old. Born in the early 1800's it survived the fire of 1887 that burned most of Onancock's business district to the ground. It bears strong, silent witness to the downtown’s evolution; from dirt roads with horse drawn carriages to asphalt and automobiles. Stop by and give it a hug.
LOVEworks
The LOVEworks sign at the Historic Onancock School, part of the Virginia is for Lovers campaign, is a playful testament to our vibrant art community while its materials reference our many enduring historic brick buildings and clapboard homes.
Samuel D. Outlaw
Samuel D. Outlaw was Onancock’s blacksmith from 1927 to 1991, serving watermen, farmers, and neighbors. Outlaw was a founding member of the Eastern Shore Building and Loan Association. In 1994, Samuel D. Outlaw passed away at the age of ninety-five to the dismay of the community. His shop was donated to the town by his heirs in his memory. Gerald Boyd revitalized the shop, turning it into a memorial museum in his honor, and opened it to the public.
The Herb Garden at Ker Place
Ker Place, located in the heart of downtown Onancock, is home to a magical herb garden. In the past, herb gardens played a vital role in households, providing flavoring for their food, medicine, and air fresheners. Wander around this garden and take time to smell the herbs.