Shenandoah County, Virginia

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Shenandoah County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of Virginia
Virginia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Virginia
Founded	1772
Seat	Woodstock
Area
• Total	512 sq mi (1,330 km2)
• Land	509 sq mi (1,320 km2)
• Water	3.3 sq mi (9 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	44,481
• Density	87/sq mi (34/km2)
Website	www.shenandoahcountyva.us

Shenandoah County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 44,481. The county seat is Woodstock. The county was established in 1772 and was originally named Dunmore County after Virginia Governor Lord Dunmore. It was renamed Shenandoah County in 1778, after the Shenandoah River.

History

Shenandoah County was established in 1772. The county was originally named Dunmore County for Virginia Governor Lord Dunmore. However, in 1778, during the American Revolutionary War, the county was renamed Shenandoah, a name derived from the Shenandoah River, which runs through the county. The name "Shenandoah" is thought to be of Native American origin, meaning "Daughter of the Stars."

Geography

Shenandoah County is located in the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 512 square miles, of which 509 square miles is land and 3.3 square miles (0.6%) is water. The county is bordered by Frederick County to the north, Warren County to the east, Page County to the south, and Rockingham County to the southwest.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 44,481 people residing in the county. The population density was 87 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Shenandoah County is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is known for its scenic beauty, which attracts visitors to the Shenandoah National Park and other natural attractions.

Education

Shenandoah County Public Schools operates the public school system in the county. The county is also home to several private schools and is in proximity to higher education institutions such as James Madison University and Shenandoah University.

Communities

Towns

• Edinburg
• Mount Jackson
• New Market
• Strasburg
• Toms Brook
• Woodstock

Unincorporated communities

• Basye
• Fort Valley
• Maurertown
• Orkney Springs

Notable People

• Thomas Marshall, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War.
• Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the mechanical reaper, who lived in the county.

See Also

• Shenandoah Valley
• Shenandoah River
• Shenandoah National Park
• List of counties in Virginia