Prince Edward County, Virginia

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Edward,_Duke_of_York_(Pompeo_Batoni)

Prince Edward County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,849. Its county seat is Farmville.

History

Prince Edward County was formed in 1754 from Amelia County. It was named for Prince Edward, Duke of York and Albany, the second son of Frederick, Prince of Wales and younger brother of King George III. The county played a significant role during the American Civil War, particularly during the Appomattox Campaign.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 354 square miles (920 km²), of which 350 square miles (910 km²) is land and 4.3 square miles (11 km²) (1.2%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Buckingham County - north
• Cumberland County - northeast
• Nottoway County - southeast
• Lunenburg County - south
• Charlotte County - southwest
• Appomattox County - west

Demographics

As of the census of 2020, there were 21,849 people, 7,000 households, and 4,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 62 people per square mile (24/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 62.5% White, 32.5% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

Education

Prince Edward County is served by Prince Edward County Public Schools. The county is also home to Hampden–Sydney College, a private liberal arts college for men, and Longwood University, a public university located in Farmville.

Economy

The economy of Prince Edward County is diverse, with sectors including education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. The presence of Longwood University and Hampden–Sydney College significantly contributes to the local economy.

Communities

Towns

• Farmville

Unincorporated communities

• Prospect
• Rice

Notable People

• Barbara Johns, a civil rights leader who led a student strike for equal education at Robert Russa Moton High School in 1951.

See also

• List of counties in Virginia
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Prince Edward County, Virginia
• Appomattox Campaign