Clarke County, Virginia

Old_Clarke_County_Courthouse_VA1

2019-08-16_17_39_00_View_north_along_U.S._Route_340_(Lord_Fairfax_Highway)_from_the_overpass_for_Virginia_State_Route_7_(Harry_Byrd_Highway-Berryville_Bypass)_in_Stringtown,_Clarke_County,_Virginia

Clarke County, Virginia is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,783. Its county seat is Berryville.

History[edit | edit source]

Clarke County was established in 1836 from parts of Frederick County. The county was named for George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero. The area was originally inhabited by the Indigenous peoples, including the Shenandoah tribe.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Clarke County is situated in the northern part of Virginia and is part of the Shenandoah Valley. The county is bordered by Loudoun County to the east, Frederick County to the west, and the state of West Virginia to the north. The Shenandoah River runs through the county, providing a natural resource and recreational opportunities.

Adjacent Counties[edit | edit source]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of the 2020 census, Clarke County had a population of 14,783. The county has a diverse demographic profile, with a mix of urban and rural communities. The largest town in the county is Berryville, which serves as the county seat.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Clarke County is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and small businesses. The county is known for its horse farms and vineyards. The Shenandoah Valley's fertile soil makes it an ideal location for farming and viticulture.

Education[edit | edit source]

Clarke County Public Schools serves the educational needs of the county. The school district includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Clarke County High School.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Major highways that run through Clarke County include U.S. Route 340 and Virginia State Route 7. These highways provide access to nearby cities and towns, including Winchester and Leesburg.