THE RAILROAD AND CAPE CHARLES: The southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore made it financially possible for the railroad line to extend to this area in the early 1880s and to develop Cape Charles there (into 644 equal lots with seven avenues extending east to west named for Virginia statesmen and seven streets extending north and south named for fruits). By 1885 both the railroad and Cape Charles prospered because now trains could pick up produce along the Eastern Shore and transport it up north and also connect at Cape Charles with specially designed railroad freight barges that transported the produce south across the Chesapeake Bay to Norfolk. In addition, now trains with passengers from as far away as New York could connect with passenger steamers transporting them across the Bay to Norfolk. THE RAILROAD AND "BayPlace:" One of the first fine homes built in Cape Charles was the grand home of the Railroad’s Superintendent, which is now named “BayPlace” in honor of the Railroad's founding of Cape Charles on the Chesapeake Bay. Later in 1893 “BayPlace” became the home of Tom Dixon, Jr., a colorful, controversial and notorious, historic character who at times was a lawyer, politician, preacher, playwright, actor, lecturer and novelist achieving national recognition. He is remembered here for preparing sermons at “BayPlace” and then boarding the train at Cape Charles and delivering the sermons in New York City and then returning by train to Cape Charles on Monday. YOU AND "BayPlace:" Now over a century and a quarter later, you can vacation at historic “BayPlace” and revel in its rich history and enjoy its well-appointed surroundings, new furnishings and fully equipped kitchen. This large, grand home with a wrap-around porch can accommodate many families who can enjoy both privacy and common gathering places as well as the home’s large yard, which is ideal for enjoying its fire pit, having BBQs and playing games. “BayPlace” is popular for reunions and gatherings of all kinds as well as for vacationing. AMENITIES AT CAPE CHARLES: Most of the guests of “BayPlace” enjoy renting a street-legal golf cart and touring little old Cape Charles and seeing its wide variety of historic style homes with gingerbread adornment as well as the Sears Roebuck mail order houses from the 1920s. Cape Charles' many bistros, include “The Shanty Crab Shack” and “The Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery,” both right on the Bay. Cape Charles offers a wide selection of specialty shops. The broad, sandy Cape Charles beach and its adjacent Fun Pier where you can fish and crab or just enjoy sunsets over the water, are never crowded. And if you golf, the Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus Bay front golf courses at Bay Creek Resort in Cape Charles are considered among the top ten golf courses in the nation. Railroad and History buffs will enjoy visiting the Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center on Stone Road. EASY DAY-TRIPS FROM "BayPlace:" Many “Bay Place” guests also take advantage of the many available, nearby, easy day-trips. Only about an hour drive to the north is Chincoteague and the Assateague National Seashore Park with its wild ponies and other wildlife as well as Atlantic Ocean beaches. And to the south, about an hour drive away, is Virginia Beach with all its many attractions along the Oceanfront, and, about two hour’s drive away, you can visit Busch Gardens and Virginia’s Historic Triangle of Williamsburg-Jamestown -Yorktown.