Poquoson, an independent city situated on the Virginia Peninsula, is rare in that it has kept the Algonquin name it had before the English arrived in the 17th century. Its name translates, roughly, to "flat land" or "great marsh." Formerly part of York County, Poquoson was established as an incorporated town in 1952 and an independent city in 1975. Although politically independent, Poquoson shares some services, including sheriff, jail, and courts, with York County. Poquoson was incorporated as a town in 1952 and became an independent city in 1975.