According to Educationvv, Buchanan County, Virginia is located in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia in the United States and is part of the Appalachian Regional Commission. The county seat is Grundy. The population was 24,098 as of the 2010 census, making it the second least populous county in Virginia. The county has a total area of 564 square miles and is home to numerous state parks and recreation areas including Breaks Interstate Park and Twin Valley Lake State Park.
The economy of Buchanan County is largely driven by natural resources such as coal mining, forestry, and tourism. It is also home to several small manufacturing companies such as L&S Manufacturing Company which produces furniture components. Additionally, there are many small businesses located throughout the county which provide goods and services to both local residents as well as visitors from outside the area.
The education system in Buchanan County consists of two public school divisions: Buchanan County Public Schools and Grundy School District. There are four high schools within these districts: Grundy High School, Garden Valley High School, Twin Valley High School, and Hurley High School. In addition to these schools, there are also numerous private schools located throughout the county providing religious-based education for students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Buchanan County is served by two airports: Russell County Airport (KVWF) located in Lebanon just outside Grundy; and Southwest Virginia Regional Airport (KPSK) located in Dublin about 20 miles northwest of Grundy. Both airports offer charter flights with prior notice as well as general aviation facilities for private pilots and corporate aircrafts.
History of Buchanan County, Virginia
Buchanan County, Virginia has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the mid-1700s when the area was first settled by pioneers from the British Isles. The county was officially formed in 1858 from parts of Russell and Tazewell counties and is named after James Buchanan, the fifteenth president of the United States.
During the American Civil War, Buchanan County was largely divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers. Although there were no major battles fought in the county, several skirmishes took place including one at Poor Valley Church in 1861. After the war ended, many former Confederate veterans returned to their homes in Buchanan County to rebuild their lives.
In more recent times, Buchanan County has seen an increase in population due to its proximity to larger cities such as Roanoke and Bristol. The county also benefits from its abundance of natural resources such as coal mining, timber production, and tourism. Additionally, small manufacturing companies have become an important part of the local economy providing jobs for many residents.
Today, Buchanan County is a vibrant community with a strong sense of identity and pride in its history. From its rich Appalachian heritage to its modern-day attractions such as Breaks Interstate Park and Twin Valley Lake State Park, there is something for everyone in this picturesque corner of Southwest Virginia.
Major cities and towns in Buchanan County, Virginia
Buchanan County, Virginia is home to a variety of cities and towns. The county seat is Grundy, the largest town in the county. Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Grundy was founded in 1856 and is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping. The town also offers a variety of cultural attractions including a historic courthouse, several museums, and an art gallery.
Nearby Vansant is another important town located on the banks of the Levisa Fork River. Vansant was founded in 1878 and quickly became an industrial center for coal mining and timber production. Today, it is home to a number of historical sites including the Vansant Railroad Depot Museum which houses artifacts from over one hundred years ago when trains were a major form of transportation in the area.
Other cities and towns in Buchanan County include Hurley, which was named after one of its earliest settlers; Keen Mountain which was originally called “Keen’s Gap”; Oakwood which was incorporated in 1912; Red Ash which serves as an important hub for local businesses; Shortt Gap which is home to some of the best trout fishing spots in Southwest Virginia; Toms Creek which features a historic schoolhouse built in 1870; Whitewood which boasts stunning views of surrounding mountains; and Whitewood Creek which is known for its abundance of wildlife.
In addition to these towns, Buchanan County also has several unincorporated communities such as Big Rock Campground, Breaks Interstate Park, Clinchco, Dante, Fort Blackmore, Honaker Mill Gap, Jewell Ridge Coal Camps Historic District, Little Prater Mountain Settlement Historic District, Max Meadows Junction Historic District, Poor Valley Church Settlement Historic District, Shortt Gap Store Historic District, Twin Valley Lake State Park, Ulams Store Settlement Historic District, Witten Settlement Historic District,and Wolf Creek Reservoir Recreation Area.
These cities and towns are all integral parts of Buchanan County’s history and culture that contribute to its unique identity today.
Airports in Buchanan County, Virginia
According to countryaah.com, Buchanan County, Virginia is home to two airports, the Grundy Municipal Airport and the Appalachian Regional Airport. The Grundy Municipal Airport is located just south of the town of Grundy and serves as a general aviation airport. It has one runway that is 2,400 feet long and 75 feet wide. This airport does not offer any commercial flights but it does offer fuel services, aircraft maintenance, and tiedowns for private aircraft. It also offers charter flights to nearby destinations. The Appalachian Regional Airport is located in neighboring Wise County and serves as an alternative for travelers who wish to fly in or out of Buchanan County. This airport offers commercial service from Allegiant Air through its hub in Punta Gorda, Florida. It also offers charter flights to a variety of destinations as well as fuel services, aircraft maintenance, and tie-downs for private aircraft. Both airports provide a convenient option for travelers who wish to fly into or out of Buchanan County without having to drive all the way to Roanoke or Lexington in order to catch a flight.
