Smithfield, Virginia

Smithfield's Historic District boasts over 70 buildings of exceptional architectural importance, including residences of the Colonial, Federal, and Victorian periods. In the opinion of the Virginia Landmarks Register, Smithfield is "perhaps the best preserved of Virginia's Colonial seaports." According to the Virginia Review magazine, Smithfield is "without a doubt, one of the prettiest towns in Virginia." As a result of its restoration efforts, in 2004 this small town was one of 20 in the United States designated as a Preserve America Community. The town is named after Arthur Smith IV, who established the municipality in 1752. He also built the Windsor Castle, off Church Street in Smithfield.