Wythe County, Virginia

WytheCoCourthouse

Wythe County, Virginia is a county located in the southwestern part of the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,290. The county seat is Wytheville. The county was formed in 1790 from part of Montgomery County. It was named after George Wythe, the first American law professor and a noted classicist.

History

Wythe County was established in 1790 and named in honor of George Wythe, a prominent Virginia judge and signer of the Declaration of Independence. The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War, where it was a strategic location due to its proximity to the Great Valley Road.

Geography

Wythe County is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains. The county has a total area of 465 square miles, of which 462 square miles is land and 3.2 square miles is water. The county is characterized by its mountainous terrain and numerous rivers and streams, including the New River.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Wythe County had a population of 28,290. The population density was 61 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Wythe County is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The county is home to several industrial parks and manufacturing facilities. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, with livestock and crop production being the primary agricultural activities.

Education

Wythe County is served by the Wythe County Public Schools system, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. The county is also home to Wytheville Community College, which offers a range of associate degree programs and vocational training.

Transportation

Wythe County is well-connected by major highways, including Interstate 81 and Interstate 77, which intersect near Wytheville. The county also has a network of state and local roads that provide access to various parts of the region.

Communities

Towns

• Wytheville
• Rural Retreat

Unincorporated Communities

• Max Meadows
• Fort Chiswell

Notable People

• George Wythe - Namesake of the county, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
• Edith Bolling Wilson - First Lady of the United States, wife of President Woodrow Wilson.

See Also

• List of counties in Virginia
• Blue Ridge Mountains
• Appalachian Mountains
• New River (Kanawha River)