Tazewell County, Virginia

TazewellCoCH

Tazewell 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	1799
Named for	Henry Tazewell
Seat	Tazewell
Area
• Total	520 sq mi (1,300 km2)
• Land	519 sq mi (1,340 km2)
• Water	1.3 sq mi (3 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	40,429
• Density	78/sq mi (30/km2)
Website	[[1] www.tazewellcountyva.org/%20www.tazewellcountyva.org]]

Tazewell County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 40,429. The county seat is Tazewell. The county was established in 1799 from parts of Russell and Wythe counties and is named for Henry Tazewell, a U.S. senator from Virginia.

History

Tazewell County was formed in 1799 from parts of Russell and Wythe counties. It was named for Henry Tazewell, a U.S. senator from Virginia. The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War and its development during the Industrial Revolution.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 520 square miles (1,300 km²), of which 519 square miles (1,340 km²) is land and 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²) (0.3%) is water. The county is part of the Appalachian Mountains and features a diverse landscape of mountains, valleys, and rivers.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 40,429 people, 16,000 households, and 11,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 78 people per square mile (30/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Tazewell County has historically been based on coal mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. In recent years, there has been a shift towards service industries and tourism, particularly related to the county's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Education

Tazewell County is served by the Tazewell County Public Schools system, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. The county is also home to the Southwest Virginia Community College, which offers a range of academic and vocational programs.

Communities

Towns

• Bluefield
• Richlands
• Tazewell

Unincorporated communities

• Amonate
• Bandy
• Bishop
• Boissevain
• Burkes Garden
• Cedar Bluff
• Falls Mills
• Gratton
• Horsepen
• Jewell Ridge
• Pocahontas

Notable People

• George C. Peery, former Governor of Virginia
• John W. Flannagan, Jr., U.S. Congressman

See also

• List of counties in Virginia
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Tazewell County, Virginia
• Appalachian Mountains
• Southwest Virginia

External links

• Tazewell County official website