The quaint town of Reedville on Cockrell’s Creek in Northumberland County has an ambiance unlike any other town in the Northern Neck. The beautifully preserved Victorian homes that line Main Street harken back to a time of unmatched economic prosperity for the region and are visually enjoyable to both visitors and historians alike. The presence of Omega Protein is signified by a particular smell in the air, and the “Stack” stands proudly as an icon representing the rich history of the town and changes that time has brought to the area.
Reedville has a fascinating history dating back to 1874 when Elijah W. Reed, a ship captain from New England settled in Northumberland bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience about the menhaden fishing industry. Local watermen had been established in the area long before Reed arrived on the scene but it was his method of extracting large quantities of oil from fish that revolutionized the fishing industry of Reedville. The oil extracted from Menhaden served a variety of purposes ranging from fertilizer to lamp oil and more.
It wasn’t until 1888 that the town officially adopted the name Reedville in honor of its founder who died that same year. Reed’s name and legacy lived on through his son George who served as the first Postmaster of Reedville. After Reed’s death, the town continued to grow and flourish with the addition of two churches, two hotels, a bank, department stores, and more by 1903. The surrounding points of Fleeton and Fairport also reaped the benefits of the economic boom as wealthy businessmen took up residence. At one point three individual fish factories provided plenty of jobs and opportunity for prosperity.
Reedville even held the title of “richest town in the country” due to having the highest income per capita. It was also the number one port for commercial fishing in the US for over 125 years.
In 1998 the Omega Protein Corporation became the leading factory in Reedville and it continues to bring economic growth and prosperity to the area. The infamous “Stack” is a last remnant of the Morris Fisher Co. The landmark had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being erased by the forces of nature when members of the community, the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum, and Omega Protein, Inc. combined forces to save the structure.
Photo dated 1915. Courtesy of the Northern Neck Historical Society.
Reedville is a treasure trove of history and there are so many stories that can be told of the land and the people that have helped to shape it. In the heart of the town stands the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum, a bridge between the past and the present that serves to preserve the memories and achievements of the founding families of Reedville and honor the humble beginnings of the town. Here you can hear the stories of the people, learn about opulent houses and become better acquainted with the town.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to stroll down Main Street and experience the gem that is Reedville, then you certainly need to add it to your bucket list. And if you have been before, plan to come again. There is always something new to see or learn in Reedville.
Information sourced from The Reedville Fisherman’s Museum, The Northern Neck Historical Society, Maritimes Dispatch, and “Reedville” by Miriam Haynie.
