In 1607, Captain John Smith made landfall on the southern tip of the Delmarva peninsula. Since then, the 70-mile-long region known as the Eastern Shore of Virginia has evolved in relative isolation from modern America, and its coastlines today look much the same as they did in the early 1600s. The land and sea have continued to define Virginia's Eastern Shore, with fertile soil surrounded by water from the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries on the western boundary, to the barrier islands, shallow bays and inlets that lead to the Atlantic Ocean on the east.
Virginia’s Eastern Shore has always been a land of farmers and seafarers. Today, it is home to more than 78,000 acres of preserves, refuges, beaches and seashore, with waterfront communities, vibrant main streets and harbor towns dotting the region.
The site of The Folly Farm is both an environmentalist's and a historian’s dream - settled nearly three centuries ago and dating back to the American Revolutionary War, The Folly Farm once served as the original port to Accomack County in the 18th century, and the entrance to the Harbour of Accomac. Numerous outbuildings of historic significance surround the home and grounds, including an original ice house and dovecote which are featured in the Library of Congress.
Today, the entire property is under a Conservation Easement, ensuring that the estate's natural, scenic and historic features are permanently protected.
