Mile 1094 - Suffolk, VA

Suffolk began in 1742 as a port town on the Nansemond River in the Virginia Colony. Originally known as Constance's Warehouse (named for a Captain John Constant), Suffolk was named after Royal Governor William Gooch's home of Suffolk in England.


Peanuts grown in the surrounding areas became a major industry for Suffolk. Notably, Planters Peanuts was established in Suffolk beginning in 1912 by an Italian immigrant named Amedeo Obici.

Suffolk was the "birthplace" of Mr. Peanut, the mascot of Planters Peanuts. For many years, the call-letters of local AM radio station WLPM stood for World's Largest Peanut Market.


Nearby Suffolk, on the the Virtual Walker's way to Norfolk, is the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.