Grayson County, Virginia

GraysonCoVaCourthouse

OldGraysonCoVaCourthouse

Grayson County, Virginia
County
Location within the U.S. state of Virginia
Country	United States
State	Virginia
Founded	1793
County seat	Independence
Area
• Total	446 sq mi (1,160 km2)
• Land	442 sq mi (1,140 km2)
• Water	4.5 sq mi (12 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	15,133
• Density	34/sq mi (13/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4

Grayson County is a county located in the southwestern part of the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,133. The county seat is Independence. Grayson County was founded in 1793 and named after William Grayson, a delegate to the Continental Congress.

Geography

Grayson County is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county has a total area of 446 square miles, of which 442 square miles is land and 4.5 square miles is water. The New River flows through the county, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities.

History

Grayson County was formed in 1793 from part of Wythe County. It was named after William Grayson, one of the first two U.S. Senators from Virginia. The county has a rich history, with several historic sites and buildings, including the Grayson County Courthouse.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 15,133 people residing in the county. The population density was 34 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Grayson County is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county's fertile land supports various agricultural activities, including livestock farming and crop production. Additionally, the county has several manufacturing facilities that contribute to the local economy.

Education

Grayson County is served by the Grayson County Public Schools system, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. The county also has access to higher education institutions in nearby areas, such as Wytheville Community College.

Attractions

Grayson County is home to several attractions, including:

• Grayson Highlands State Park
• Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
• New River Trail State Park

These parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and horseback riding.

Communities

The county includes several towns and unincorporated communities, such as:

• Independence (county seat)
• Fries
• Troutdale

Notable People

• Robert Sayers Sheffey, a noted Methodist circuit rider and evangelist.

See also

• List of counties in Virginia
• Blue Ridge Mountains
• New River (Kanawha River)