The area where the City of Emporia is located was first explored by Europeans in 1670. The Town of Hicksford -- also sometimes called “Hick’s Ford” -- was settled in 1710 where the Fort Road of eastern Virginia crossed the Meherrin River en route to Fort Christianna. After Virginia achieved statehood, the nearby Town of Belfield was established in 1798 on the north bank of the Meherrin River; the two towns of Hicksford and Belfield merged in 1887 to form the town of Emporia, which was named after the town of Emporia, Kansas. The town was re-chartered by the Virginia General Assembly in 1967 as an independent city. Perched on the fall line of the Coastal Plain, Emporia has historically been a commercial hub in southern Virginia and has long been a transportation crossroads. Once strategically located on an important north-south Confederate States railroad and supply line, Emporia today is still at the intersection of major railroad lines, and also has two major highways passing through the city --Interstate 95 and U.S. 58. The city is an ideal and convenient stopping point for thousands of travelers, as it is situated strategically “midway between The Big Apple and Walt Disney World”! And the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is just a mere three hours’ drive north.
The focal point of downtown Emporia is the finely renovated Greensville County Courthouse, which was built in 1781. One block east of the courthouse is Village View, a Federal Style home built in 1795 that has Civil War significance. These buildings, in addition to numerous other structures, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Three annual events in Emporia provide fun for all ages – the Virginia Pork Festival, The Great Peanut Tour, and The Virginia Peanut Festival. Embrace all there is to do in the city of Emporia! Hotels in the area allow you to stay conveniently close by to where you want to be. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you enjoy affordable rates, many amenities, and friendly service. We look forward to hosting you soon! Reserve your room today!