Located on Virginia's Middle Peninsula, Tappahannock is centrally situated just outside the Washington to Norfolk urban crescent. The town dates back to a 17th century port settlement. In 1608, this area was first visited by Captain John Smith. The area was inhabited by Native Americans and when Captain Smith attepted to land here he was fiercely driven back to his ship. It was a Native American village and so he gave both the river and the village Native American names. The river became the Rappahannock, which meant "rise and fall" of water, and the village became Tappahannock, which means town on the "rise and fall of water." In the mid 1600s, a trading post was established by Jacob Hobbs. For a few years the area was known as Hobb's His Hole and later as New Plymouth. Eventually, the original name was returned in 1705. On and around the water still remain thirteen homes and buildings from these early days of Tappahannock. Take the Tappahannock Walking Tour or link to the Essex-Tappahannock Chamber of Commerce website for full information about the businesses, services, restaurants and places to stay in the area.

Tappahannock, Virginia