Dinwiddie County, Virginia

Dinwiddie County, Virginia
County	Dinwiddie County
State	Virginia
Founded	1752
Named for	Robert Dinwiddie
Seat	Dinwiddie
Largest town	McKenney
Area total sq mi	507
Area land sq mi	504
Area water sq mi	2.8
Area percentage	0.5%
Census estimate yr	2023
Pop	27,947
Density sq mi	55
Time zone	Eastern
Web	www.dinwiddieva.us
District	4th

Dinwiddie County, Virginia. Located in the Southside Virginia region, it is a county with a rich historical legacy tied to early colonial governance and pivotal American Civil War campaigns. Established in the mid-18th century from Prince George County, its economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly tobacco, and has evolved to include significant manufacturing and logistics sectors. The county is part of the Richmond-Petersburg region and serves as a crossroads between the Greater Richmond Region and southern Virginia.

History

The county was formed in 1752 from Prince George County and named for Robert Dinwiddie, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia at the time. Its early development was closely tied to the expansion of the tobacco plantation economy, which relied heavily on enslaved labor from West Africa. During the American Civil War, the county was a crucial theater of operations, most notably as the site of the Battle of Five Forks in April 1865, a decisive Union victory that led directly to the Fall of Petersburg and the subsequent Appomattox campaign. Other significant engagements included the Battle of Sutherland's Station and the Battle of Dinwiddie Court House, which were part of the Richmond–Petersburg campaign. Historic sites like the Dinwiddie County Courthouse and the Pamplin Historical Park preserve this legacy, with the latter encompassing part of the Breakthrough at Petersburg battlefield.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 507 square miles, of which 504 square miles is land and 2.8 square miles is water, primarily from the Appomattox River and its tributaries like Stony Creek. It is bordered by Prince George County to the east, Sussex County to the south, Brunswick County to the southwest, Nottoway County to the west, and Amelia County and Chesterfield County to the north. The terrain is characterized by the rolling hills of the Piedmont region, transitioning to the flatter Atlantic coastal plain. Major transportation corridors include Interstate 85, U.S. Route 1, and U.S. Route 460.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 27,947. The racial makeup was approximately 63% White, 32% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.8% Asian, and 2.5% identifying as two or more races. Individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin comprised about 3.5% of the population. The population density is around 55 people per square mile. The largest communities are the unincorporated towns of McKenney and Sutherland, with the county seat located in the town of Dinwiddie.

Government and infrastructure

Dinwiddie County operates under a board of supervisors form of government. It is part of the 4th Congressional District, represented in the U.S. House by Jennifer McClellan. Key infrastructure includes the Dinwiddie County Airport, a general aviation facility, and it is served by the Dinwiddie County Public Schools system. The county is also home to the Dinwiddie Correctional Center, a state prison facility operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections. Law enforcement is provided by the Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office, and emergency services are coordinated through the Dinwiddie County Department of Fire and EMS.

Economy

The economy has transitioned from its historical base in agriculture, including tobacco, soybeans, and corn, to include significant manufacturing and distribution operations. Major employers include the Amazon fulfillment center and Walmart distribution center, leveraging the county's strategic location near I-85. The Virginia Motorsports Park hosts major NHRA drag racing events, contributing to tourism. Other sectors include retail, healthcare through facilities like the VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital, and logistics supported by the county's proximity to the Port of Virginia and Richmond International Airport.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the county include Moses Malone, the Hall of Fame NBA basketball player who attended Petersburg High School. John Randolph of Roanoke, the prominent Congressman and Senator, was born at Cawsons plantation. Military figures include Confederate General William Henry Fitzhugh Lee, son of Robert E. Lee, who fought in the county, and Union Army General Philip Sheridan, who commanded at the Battle of Five Forks. Musician and Country Music Hall of Famer Roy Clark also had roots in the area.

Category:Dinwiddie County, Virginia Category:Virginia counties Category:1752 establishments in Virginia