Smithfield was named after Arthur Smith, who patented 1450 acres in 1637. In 1750, his descendent Arthur Smith IV, had the land surveyed and laid out as a town. The town originally comprised of four streets with 72 lots. Within two years all the lots were sold. Each lot sold for four pounds, six schillings, roughly the equivalent of $7 today.
American history unfolded around Smithfield: Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, and Reconstruction. The architecture reflects the different eras with Victorian, Dutch Colonial, Georgian, and American Gothic styles. The Smithfield Visitor Center at 335 Main Street gives information on a Self Guided Walking Tour of the Historical District. The tour consists of 44 homes and business buildings that cover the span of American history. Shopping is a treat in the Historical District, where you can browse your day away in quaint shops that sell everything from Antiques to Clothing to unique Gifts.
Modern day Smithfield, located in Isle of Wight County, and is, according to the Virginia Review, “one of the prettiest towns in Virginia.” Smithfield is the corporate headquarters of Smithfield Foods, famous for their Smithfield hams and other pork products. Smithfield holds the record for the largest ham biscuit in the Guinness Book of World Records, awarded officially on March 21, 2003. The huge ham biscuit was 8’ wide, 14”tall, contained 500 lbs of ham, with a total weight of 2200 lbs.
Smithfield offers a varied array of recreation choices. Golfing, boating, fishing, picnicking, organized sports, tennis, horseback riding, nature trails, and even a park for skateboarders are all available.
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
