Tasley, Virginia


Tasley is a census-designated place in Accomack County, Virginia, United States. The population as of the 2010 Census was 300.

History

At one time, Tasley was a bustling railroad town, boasting the first electric power plant, first paved road and first self-organized volunteer fire company in the county. The Shore's main highway, US 13, ran right through the middle of town. Steamships from Baltimore docked at nearby Onancock; the produce and goods were carried from there to Tasley's busy rail station for fast shipment. In its heyday, Tasley boasted three restaurants, four general stores, a hotel, post office, rail station, two tractor dealerships, two sawmills, volunteer fire company, ice plant, coal sales, car dealerships, several produce grading sheds and power plant.
When the railroad ceased passenger service in 1958, the town was dealt a blow, but the coming of the Route 13 bypass in the mid-1960s robbed Tasley of its commercial and industrial status. Today, Tasley is home to A&N Electric Cooperative, which provides electric power for the entire Eastern Shore of Virginia; the Foodbank of the Eastern Shore is headquartered there and Studebaker's Antiques sells top of the line vintage advertising items worldwide. A new fire station is being planned, and several formerly empty buildings have been purchased and repurposed.