USGenWeb

This resource has been eclipsed by the evolution of the internet and the proliferation of digital collections but it should be given a serious look.

“USGenWeb was established in 1996 by a group of genealogists who shared a desire to create online centers for genealogical research. Each of our literally thousands of web sites have been created and are maintained by volunteers. Some of the offerings you’re likely to see in these diverse and creative sites include query boards, listings of local sources for records, county and state histories, online genealogy books, research tips, maps, and links to helpful internet resources. You’ll even find transcribed records online, accessible for free from the comfort of your home. Our Special Projects, such as the nationally-recognized Tombstone Project, assist in the effort to gather these record transcriptions. The USGenWeb Archives are a major repository of data, which is provided by helpful contributors – people just like you!”
— USGenWeb

I poked around in Hyde County, North Carolina and found links to a 22-minute YouTube video about life and language in the county and a database of local newspapers (free!). Click on USGenWeb in this post or on the image above. You’ll find a map of America. Find your state and click again. A list of counties will be displayed; Virginia will list counties and cities. Click on your target locality — and behold!