a brief lineage of James City, Surry, York, and Isle of Wight Counties and of Hogg Island Virginia. As genealogists, we sometimes forget that political geography is a fluid designation and that the location of a county or state today may or may not be indicative of the political boundaries known to our ancestors. In my study, and that of several others among HOLT researchers -- conflicting reports of location surrounding these three counties and Hogg Island seem to cause some consternation. Virginia was first permanently settled in 1607 at James Fort (later Jamestowne) in present James City County on the north bank of the James River. York County was so named in 1634 as Charles River County and renamed to York County in 1642. At the time (1634) the other Virginia Counties included Charles City, Elizabeth City, Henrico, Warrosquyoake (renamed Isle of Wight in 1637), Accawmack (renamed Northampton in 1642), and Warwick River (renamed Warwick in 1642). Surry County wasn't formed until 1652 and was drawn from part of James City County. An area sometimes called "the other side of the water..." With Hogg Island being in the river and a true Island at places -- it is likely that it could have been considered a part of Surry, James City, or Warwick Counties but not likely York. After the mid 1650's; Hogg Island should have been well known as within Surry County though very near Isle of Wight as well. Now, it should have been clear to anyone whether they were north or south of the James River -- what may not have been clear is exactly where Surry County ended and Isle of Wight began. Similarly - James City, York, Charles City, and Warwick Counties probably didn't have "Welcome to Our County" signs along the meager roadways. With the York River separating the northern boundary, most folks should have known whether they were born "between the rivers" or "on the frontier". Even so, looking at an older map of James City and York Counties, one sees quickly how someone could be confused about which he is in -- even into the 1800s. Many folks also appeared to go to whichever governmental seat was nearer and most convenient -- since most vital records were not kept by the government, it really wasn't too great a concern whether you were in Surry or Isle of Wight except for "tax time" and there are more than a few records of tax disputes based on location. I can only imagine how confused our ancestors must have been over the neighboring political boundaries -- considering how confusing it is to modern researchers who have maps to look at.... Just a few thoughts for consideration. CoachT