The name "Fox Hill" originates from around 1625. It is believed that the name came from the proliferation of fox dens in the sand dunes along the beach. During the early settlement of Fox Hill, colonists settled in Fox Hill to pursue agricultural pursuits - primarily the growing of tobacco. At first, small farms dotted the countryside and were very profitable for their owners. As the profitability of tobacco grew, many of these small farms gave way to larger plantations and estates.
Between the mid-1700's and 1800, Fox Hill was one of several thriving communities in the precinct of Elizabeth City County. To better facilitate trade, communications, and other aspects of everyday life, a series of roads gradually began to link these various communities. A ferry was even instigated across the Hampton River to facilitate attendance at St. John's Church in the Town of Hampton. In 1809, it was specifically ordered that "all working hand" in the vicinity should provide maintenance from "the Harris Creek Road" to "the Fox Hill Road." Around this same time, Fox Hill became the tenth district of Elizabeth City County.
Substantial immigrations of fisherman and boat builders from the Eastern Shore settled in the area around 1815. These two occupations dominated the area for years to come. Small shipyards existed on Harris Creek, Back River, and Wallace Creek. In 1829, a significant landmark for Fox Hill was constructed - Back River Lighthouse. Constructed for the Federal government, the lighthouse stood 33 feet tall and remained operational from 1829-1936. Hurricane Flossie destroyed the lighthouse in 1956.
Records indicate that most of these early fishermen in Fox Hill were of the Methodist faith. The first Methodist meetinghouse was constructed by 1811 in the vicinity of Hall Road and White Pine Ridge. From this date, the Methodist Church played a prominent role in the history of Fox Hill. This legacy remains today with the numerous Methodist churches and by the namesake of the local elementary school - Francis Asbury Elementary School - name after the Methodist missionary who came to American in 1771.
In 1818, the citizens of Fox Hill petitioned the Virginia General Assembly to authorize construction of a school in Fox Hill. This petition was denied. Some 19 years later, the Fox Hill NEIGHBORHOOD founded their own school - Fox Hill Academy. At its peak, Fox Hill Academy enrolled 68 people. Public schools began throughout Elizabeth City County in 1852. Fox Hill was included in District No. 1. In 1881, land was acquired to build a one-room public schoolhouse on land near the present elementary school. The first Francis Asbury School was constructed in 1917 for $18,000. Children from the area were transported to the school by horse and wagon or by boat. In 1963, a fire destroyed the old school. The existing structure was constructed in 1964.
The early 1900's saw significant technological changes come to Fox Hill. In 1910, Dr. Harry Rowe introduced Fox Hill to the automobile. Telephones first appeared in 1902. Electricity became widespread in 1914. During this period Fox Hill was a bustling little NEIGHBORHOOD containing eight general stores serving only 350 residents.
The Volunteer Fire Department has been a significant institution in Fox Hill's recent history. Formed in 1927, the Fox Hill Volunteer Fire Department served an area without running water. The original fire engine contained two 50-gallon tanks. Men were summoned to a fire by ringing a church bell located behind the firehouse. A new firehouse was constructed in 1945 while the modern structure was completed in 1975.
Grandview Beach became a widely known summer resort beginning around 1890. About this time the Grandview Hotel was constructed. A large dance pavilion existed adjacent to the Hotel. Guests came by boat or were picked up by wagon from the local train stations. In the early 1920's a bathhouse and dance pavilion were constructed near the end of Beach Road. All of these buildings were destroyed by the 1933 storm.
Around 1940, another dance pavilion was constructed at the present site of the Grandview Pier. In 1948, a larger pavilion was constructed which would accommodate 300 people. This was a venue for many of the country's most popular "big bands." Hurricane Hazel destroyed these facilities in 1954.
