Buckingham County, Virginia

Buckingham_VA_-_county_courthouse

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Buckingham County, Virginia is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,824. Its county seat is Buckingham. The county was created in 1761 from the southeastern portion of Albemarle County.

History

Buckingham County was established in 1761 from the southeastern portion of Albemarle County. The county was named for either the English county of Buckinghamshire or for the estate of Archibald Cary, a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. The original county seat was located at Albion, but it was moved to the town of Buckingham in 1818.

During the American Civil War, Buckingham County was the site of several skirmishes and troop movements. The county's economy was historically based on agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, but it has diversified over time.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 584 square miles (1,510 km²), of which 580 square miles (1,500 km²) is land and 4.3 square miles (11 km²) (0.7%) is water. The county is part of the Piedmont region of Virginia.

Adjacent counties

• Fluvanna County - northeast
• Cumberland County - east
• Prince Edward County - south
• Appomattox County - southwest
• Nelson County - northwest

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 16,824 people, 6,500 households, and 4,500 families residing in the county. The population density was 29 people per square mile (11/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 63.5% White, 33.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

Economy

The economy of Buckingham County has historically been based on agriculture, particularly tobacco farming. In recent years, the economy has diversified to include manufacturing, retail, and services. The county is also known for its natural resources, including timber and minerals.

Education

Buckingham County is served by the Buckingham County Public Schools system, which includes Buckingham County High School, Buckingham County Middle School, and several elementary schools. The county is also home to New Dominion School, a private institution.

Government and politics

Buckingham County is governed by a Board of Supervisors, which is composed of representatives from each of the county's districts. The county also has a County Administrator who oversees the day-to-day operations of the county government.

Notable people

• Carter G. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black History," was born in Buckingham County.
• Archibald Cary, a prominent political figure in colonial Virginia, had an estate in the county.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Buckingham County, Virginia
• List of counties in Virginia