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History of Back Bay

Back Bay is located in the southeastern portion of Virginia Beach and is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the narrow Sandbridge to False Cape land barrier. The watershed of Back Bay covers 104 square miles and contains 40 square miles of surface water, with the average depth being 4 feet.

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 as a refuge and breeding area for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge began with roughly 3,000 acres, but has expanded over time to its current size of over 8,000 acres. Many different species of plants, birds, animals, and reptiles can be found on the Refuge, including federally listed endangered and threatened species, such as the Bald Eagle and the Loggerhead turtle. The Refuge is closed to through traffic between October 31 and April 1 of each year.

False Cape State Park located just south of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge contains 4,321 acres. Access to False Cape is limited to those able to travel at least 4.5 miles by boat, bicycle, foot or Tram Ride. False Cape offers a variety of ecosystems from coastal to hardwood to marsh along with many different plant and wildlife species.

There has been a significant downturn in wildlife populations in Back Bay due to the declining water quality from erosion and sediment run-off, culminations of rapid urban development. The Back Bay Restoration Foundation is making every effort to reverse this unfortunate trend by focusing its efforts on improving water quality, environmental education and restoration projects.

One famous resident of Back Bay was Grace Sherwood. She was accused, tried and convicted of being a witch in 1706. The famous trial lent its name to the now infamous local place name; Witchduck. After her release from jail, she was granted land near Muddy Creek on Back Bay, where she lived out her days.