Mathews County has a rich history of shipbuilding dating back to colonial times. During the 18th and 19th centuries, more than 2,000 vessels were built in Mathews. The demand for sailing ships increased during the Revolutionary War and the industry dominated in the county until before the Civil War. During this time period, more vessels were constructed in Mathews than anywhere else in Virginia.
The area of Fitchett’s Wharf is now a mostly residential area, but was once home to a shipyard owned and operated by Lewis Hudgins. The occupation of shipbuilding was passed down over several generations in the Hudgins family. Lewis and his brothers relocated from Liverpool England, where their father was a shipbuilder, in 1743 and settled in Gloucester (which was later divided to create Mathews County.) They dominated the shipbuilding and shipping industry until its decline.
A historical marker stands in Moon, Virginia, in Mathews County at the intersection of Fitchett’s Wharf Road and Haven Beach Road, on the left when traveling east on Fitchett’s Wharf Road.
The marker reads:
Fitchett’s Wharf was a center of commercial activity for this area of Mathews County from 1845 until the early 20th century. It also served as a major port of call for vessels plying the Chesapeake Bay until 1932. An important shipyard, owned and operated by Lewis Hudgins, stood here until it was burned by Union forces in 1864. Several well-known brig and schooner class commercial ships were built here, including the Victory and the Conquest. The shipbuilder’s house still stands nearby, and the wharf store has been restored as a residence.
After the Civil War as newer technologies such as the steam engine began to gain momentum, the shipbuilding occupation fell to the wayside. Agriculture and seafood harvesting then became primary pursuits and have continued to develop as part of the rich culture of Mathews.
Information sourced from the Mathews County Historical Society and the Historical Marker Database
