Washington County, Virginia

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Washington County
U.S. county
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Coordinates:
Country	United States
Seat	Abingdon
Area
• Total	566 sq mi (1,470 km2)
• Land	561 sq mi (1,450 km2)
• Water	5 sq mi (10 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	54,081
• Density	96/sq mi (37/km2)

[[Category:{{{state}}} counties]]

Washington County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 54,081. The county seat is Abingdon. Washington County is part of the Kingsport–Bristol–Bristol, TN-VA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Washington County was established in 1776 from Fincastle County. It was named for George Washington, who was then commanding the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The county has a rich history, including its role in the early settlement of the region and its involvement in the Civil War.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 566 square miles (1,470 km²), of which 561 square miles (1,450 km²) is land and 5 square miles (13 km²) (0.9%) is water. The county is located in the southwestern part of Virginia and is bordered by Smyth County to the northeast, Grayson County to the east, and the state of Tennessee to the south.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 54,081 people, 22,000 households, and 15,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 96 people per square mile (37/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 Washington County is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. The county is known for its production of tobacco, corn, and livestock. Additionally, the presence of Emory & Henry College in Emory contributes to the local economy through education and related services.

Education

Washington County is served by the Washington County Public Schools system, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. Higher education is provided by Emory & Henry College, a private liberal arts college located in the town of Emory.

Transportation

Major highways in Washington County include Interstate 81, which runs northeast-southwest through the county, providing access to Bristol and other nearby cities. The county is also served by several state routes and local roads.

Communities

Towns

• Abingdon
• Damascus
• Glade Spring

Unincorporated communities

• Emory
• Meadowview
• Limestone

Notable People

• Francis Preston, a prominent lawyer and politician who served in the United States House of Representatives.
• William Campbell, a military officer during the American Revolutionary War.

See also

• List of counties in Virginia
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County, Virginia