Smithsfield is Located in Isle of Wight County. A charming rural community with a long history of agricultural and economic expansion, Smithfield's recently refurbished downtown area provides many shopping opportunities; while nearby marinas provide plenty of recreation for water sports and other activities. According to the Virginia Landmarks Register, Smithfield is "perhaps the best preserved of Virginia's Colonial seaports."

Smithfield's utmost economic asset has been the well-known and nationally respected meat packing industry. Smithfield is Home to two leading meat packing firms, Gwaltney of Smithfield and Smithfield Foods Inc., as well as to Union Camp Paper.