King George County (Va.) Oyster Inspector Reports, 1884-1889

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions.

Preferred citation:

King George County (Va.) Oyster Inspector Reports, 1884-1889. Local government records collection, King George County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.

Summary

Extent:
1 v.
Creator:
King George County (Va.) Circuit Court.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

King George County (Va.) Oyster Inspector Reports, 1884-1889. Local government records collection, King George County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.

Background

Scope and content:

King George (Va.) Oyster Inspector Reports is a volume containing records, related to the leasing of oyster beds, from the late 19th century.

Biographical / historical:

King George County was formed from Richmond County by a statute of 23 December 1720. The county court first met on 19 May 1721. Part of Westmoreland County was added later. The county was named in honor of King George I.

Most loose records prior to 1830 are missing. Volumes that record deeds, court orders and wills exist.

A system of State-employed district oyster inspectors was established in 1920. Prior to that time, a network of county oyster inspectors and county surveyors administered oyster bed leasing in the localities. The inspectors were compensated by retaining a portion of fines and other fees collected. Their oyster inspection work was generally a sideline to other jobs held in the communities. When the State Fisheries Commission assumed full control of oyster administration in 1920, nineteen oyster districts were established. One full-time inspector was employed for each district at $60.00 per month. Today, shellfish bed leasing is centrally administered by an automated department at Marine Resources Commission Headquarters. The inspectors have much broader law enforcement responsibilities as Virginia Marine Patrol Officers.

Acquisition information:
These volumes came to the Library of Virginia under accession number 42662.
Physical location:
State Records Center- Archives Annex, Library of Virginia