According to Countryaah, Alleghany County, Virginia is located in the western part of the state and is bordered by seven other counties. To the north lies Rockbridge County, to the east lies Amherst and Nelson Counties, to the south lies Botetourt County, and to the west lies Bath and Highland Counties in Virginia as well as Grant County in West Virginia.
The county seat of Alleghany is Covington which is located near the center of the county on Jackson River. The main town in Alleghany is Clifton Forge, which was once a major railway center but has since experienced an economic decline due to its lack of industry.
The county has a total area of 474 square miles with a population of around 16,000 people. The terrain in Alleghany County is mainly mountainous with many rivers flowing throughout including Jackson River, Cowpasture River, Little Calfpasture River and more. The highest point in Alleghany County is Reddish Knob at 4,397 feet above sea level.
Alleghany County also contains two state parks – Douthat State Park which offers camping sites and hiking trails along with a lake for swimming and fishing; and Natural Bridge State Park which features a natural limestone bridge that was once part of Thomas Jefferson’s estate. Both parks are popular tourist destinations for those looking for outdoor activities or simply beautiful scenery.
Demographics of Alleghany County, Virginia
Alleghany County, Virginia has a population of approximately 16,000 people. The racial demographics of the county are 94.2% White, 1.3% African American, 0.5% Native American or Alaskan Native, 0.4% Asian, 2.1% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. The median age is 45 years old and the gender split is 49.7% female to 50.3% male with a median household income of $39,682 per year and a poverty rate of 14%.
The majority of the population lives in rural areas with most people employed in either manufacturing or educational services including teaching and administration at local schools and colleges as well as health care services such as hospitals and nursing homes throughout the county.
Alleghany County also has a large number of veterans with about 8 percent having served in the United States military which is slightly higher than the national average for veterans at 7%. There are also many retirees living in Alleghany County due to its low cost of living compared to other areas in Virginia making it an attractive option for those looking to retire on a budget while still enjoying all that Virginia has to offer.
Places of Interest in Alleghany County, Virginia
Alleghany County, Virginia is full of interesting places to visit. The county is home to two state parks, Douthat State Park and Natural Bridge State Park. Douthat State Park offers camping sites, hiking trails, swimming and fishing in its lake. Natural Bridge State Park is home to a natural limestone bridge that was once part of Thomas Jefferson’s estate. Both parks are popular tourist destinations for those looking for outdoor activities or simply beautiful scenery.
The county also features several historical sites such as the historic Alleghany Inn located in downtown Covington which is the oldest continuously operating inn in the state of Virginia. There are also several museums such as The Jackson River Museum and the Alleghany Historical Society Museum which give visitors an insight into the history of the county.
For those looking for more active pursuits, there are plenty of activities available including golf courses, fishing spots along the rivers and streams, horseback riding trails, mountain biking trails and more. There are also several wineries located throughout Alleghany County offering wine tasting tours and events throughout the year.
Alleghany County also hosts a number of annual events including a Fourth of July fireworks show in downtown Covington; an Arts & Crafts Festival in July; an Apple Harvest Festival in October; and a Christmas Parade each December. These events bring locals together with visitors from all over to enjoy everything that Alleghany County has to offer.
Notable People of Alleghany County, Virginia
Alleghany County, Virginia has been home to many notable people throughout its history. One of the most famous is Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. He was born in nearby Shadwell, Virginia and owned a plantation in Alleghany County known as Monticello. Jefferson also designed and built Poplar Forest, a retreat located just outside of Lynchburg.
The county is also home to several prominent military figures such as General Robert E. Lee who was born in Stratford Hall located on the banks of the Potomac River. Confederate Brigadier General John McCausland was also born in Alleghany County and served during the Civil War.
The county has also been home to several notable authors and poets such as William Byrd II who wrote A History of The Dividing Line Betwixt Virginia and North Carolina which described his journey through western Virginia, now known as Alleghany County; Edgar Allan Poe who wrote many of his works while living nearby in Richmond; and Mary Johnston who wrote novels set in colonial Virginia.
In more recent times, Alleghany County has been home to several prominent politicians including former US Senator John Warner; former Governor Mills Godwin Jr.; and current US Representative Ben Cline who represents the 6th district of Virginia which includes Alleghany County.
It’s clear that Alleghany County has a long history of producing influential people from all walks of life. From presidents to poets, politicians to generals – this small corner of western Virginia has certainly made its mark on history.