In 1652, Surry County was formed from a portion of James City County in the Royal Colony of Virginia south of the James River. In 1676, a local Jacobean brick house was occupied as a fort or "castle" during Bacon's Rebellion against the Royal Governor, Sir William Berkeley, later becoming known as the current landmark of Bacon's Castle. One hundred years later, Surry County became part of the new Commonwealth of Virginia, one of the first 13 United States after winning independence from Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the Confederate Army had units called the Surry Light Artillery and the Surry Cavalry.
It is known for raising hogs processed at nearby Smithfield and harvesting lumber, notably Virginia Pine. In over 350 years of existence, Surry County has carefully guarded both its heritage and rural nature. However, it is located only a short ride on the Jamestown Ferry from Virginia's Historic Triangle of the colonial era, featuring the major tourist attractions of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, linked by the National Park Service's Colonial Parkway. The county itself hosts several small towns, several of the James River plantations, and a state park.
In 2007, the county and its residents found themselves thrust into the national and international spotlight following discovery of a 15-acre (61,000 m) estate property which had been allegedly developed as the base for multi-state criminal operation of dog fighting enterprise known as Bad Newz Kennels. The property is owned by famous NFL star Michael Vick who was among those charged by federal authorities with operating the six-year long “continuing criminal enterprise.” As details emerged, the extraordinary brutality against the animals, said to be uncommon even in the normal course of that controversial blood sport, allegedly included hanging, drowning, electrocution, and shooting dogs which were not vicious enough. Vick himself was accused of direct participation in some of the executions, including those of 8 under-performing dogs earlier in 2007, and directly handling cash payouts of thousands of dollars in the related gambling.
The Virginian-Pilot noted that county officials and the 7,000 residents "aren't used to much attention from outsiders. They mostly live among farm fields and along rural lanes." Citizens have been both shocked and cautious as expressed to various news media regarding both comments and opinions about Vick's possible guilt. However, one county resident who sells Virginia hams, feels that damage has already occurred no matter how the legal cases turn out. She lamented in a published news report:
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,829 people, 2,619 households, and 1,917 families residing in the county. The population density was 24 people per square mile (9/km²). There were 3,294 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 46.87% White, 51.60% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. 0.75% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 2,619 households out of which 30.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.50% were married couples living together, 14.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.80% were non-families. 23.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.20% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 27.80% from 25 to 44, 25.70% from 45 to 64, and 14.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 93.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $37,558, and the median income for a family was $41,234. Males had a median income of $31,123 versus $21,143 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,682. About 9.70% of families and 10.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.40% of those under age 18 and 14.80% of those age 65 or over.