City of Emporia

Hermit Thrush, © Alex Shipherd

Sitting on the edge between the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain, Emporia is the southern gateway into Virginia, being just eight miles north of the North Carolina border. It is also located 65 miles south of the state capital at Richmond. Throughout Emporia's history, the city has been a key transportation crossroads. Whether it was access along the Meherrin River to the fall line, or the junction between major north-south and east-west rail lines, Emporia's economic success was largely tied to transportation. With I-95, US 301, and US 58 intersecting in Emporia, the city still remains a transportation hub. 

Emporia was formed by the 1887 merger of two towns on opposite sides of the Meherrin River: Hicksford (sometimes Hick's Ford) and Belfield. The town was named by Virginia House of Delegates member Benjamin D. Tiller Jr. after Emporia, Kansas, in homage to the hometown of Tiller's friend and United States Senator Preston B. Plumb. It was a rocky start for Emporia, as the first attempt at chartering the town failed. It was re-chartered again in 1892. Emporia was eventually chartered as an independent city in 1967.

Emporia is roughly seven sq. mi., with a population estimated just over 6000; it is Virginia's second least populated city. Unlike many of Virginia's smaller Independent Cities, Emporia does have access to any standing water. The Emporia Reservoir straddles the county line with Greensville, created by a dam along the Meherrin River. There is also a wastewater treatment facility with a pond that attracts waterfowl in season. Unlike most of the rivers to the north which empty into the Chesapeake Bay, the Meherrin drains into Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. 

From a birding perspective, Emporia is the hub of the area birders call Southside. Surrounded entirely by Greensville County, Emporia sits on the eastern side of the county, a little over a mile from Southampton County. This general region has for decades been the state's best region for Mississippi Kites, though the species has expanded throughout the state in recent years. The black water of the Meherrin has been home to other swampy specialties, such as Swainson's and Prothonotary Warbler. Though Swainson’s Warbler has never been reported from Emporia, it wouldn't be wholly unexpected. Emporia itself boasts over 100 species submitted to eBird, which is impressive for a city of its size, and the relatively low number of checklists that have been submitted. 

—Todd Michael Day

Hotspots

Amenities

The intersection of I-95 and US 58 is a major nexus of hotels, national restaurants, fast food chains, gas stations, and convenience stores. To find independent restaurants, one has to wander off the highways a little and head to Main Street. Here there are several local establishments, all with favorable online reviews. Logan's Diner is a classic diner complete with checkerboard floors and counter seating among the few tables, serving breakfast and lunch. The Bank at Kahills is self-described as a "buzzy spot for steak, seafood, and bar fare." Just south of these two offerings is Farm to Fork, a fast casual spot with a complete menu. 

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