Powhatan County, Virginia

Error creating thumbnail:

Powhatan County, Virginia

General Information
Name	Powhatan County, Virginia
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	County
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	37.54°-77.92 type:adm2nd_region:US-VA°{{{4}}}
Map
Population
Total	28,046
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Powhatan County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,046. Its county seat is the unincorporated community of Powhatan.

History

Powhatan County was established in 1777 from land that was originally part of Cumberland County. It was named after Chief Powhatan, the paramount chief of the Powhatan Confederacy, a group of Native American tribes in the region during the early 17th century. The county's history is deeply intertwined with the early colonial history of Virginia and the interactions between European settlers and Native American tribes.

Geography

Powhatan County is located in the central part of Virginia, bordered by the James River to the south. The county covers a total area of approximately 262 square miles, characterized by rolling hills and a mix of forested and agricultural land. The county is part of the Piedmont region, which is known for its fertile soil and moderate climate.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Powhatan County had a population of 28,046. The county has experienced steady population growth over the past few decades, largely due to its proximity to the Richmond metropolitan area. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Hispanic, and other racial and ethnic groups.

Economy

The economy of Powhatan County is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services being the primary sectors. The county's agricultural output includes crops such as corn, soybeans, and hay, as well as livestock. In recent years, there has been an increase in residential development, driven by the county's appeal as a suburban area for those working in Richmond.

Education

Powhatan County is served by the Powhatan County Public Schools system, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Powhatan High School. The county is also home to several private schools and is within commuting distance of higher education institutions in Richmond, such as Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond.

Government

Powhatan County is governed by a Board of Supervisors, which is responsible for setting policy and overseeing the county's budget and services. The county also has a county administrator who manages day-to-day operations. The county government provides a range of services, including law enforcement, fire and rescue, public works, and parks and recreation.

Transportation

Transportation in Powhatan County is primarily facilitated by a network of state and local roads. The county is served by U.S. Route 60, which runs east-west through the county, providing access to Richmond and other parts of Virginia. Public transportation options are limited, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting and travel.

Also see

• Cumberland County, Virginia
• Richmond, Virginia
• James River
• Piedmont (United States)