 It received nomination from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in 2016.The Mathews County Courthouse Square has been recognized as a National Historic District since 1977, and the Sibley's and James Store Historic District (consisting of two 19th century general stores) has been recognized as a National Historic District since 2011.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (65.9%) is water.