Highland County, Virginia

Highland County, Virginia
County	Highland County
State	Virginia
Founded	1847
Seat	Monterey
Largest town	Monterey
Area total sq mi	416
Area land sq mi	415
Area water sq mi	0.6
Population as of	2020
Population total	2200
Population density sq mi	5.3
Time zone	Eastern
District	6th
Named for	Its high elevation

Highland County, Virginia. Nestled within the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia, it is the least populous county in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Known as "Virginia's Switzerland" for its rugged, high-altitude terrain, the county is defined by its remote beauty and agricultural heritage, centered around the town of Monterey. Its history is deeply intertwined with early frontier settlement, the American Civil War, and the development of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike.

History

The region was historically part of the vast hunting grounds of the Shawnee and other Indigenous nations. European settlement began in earnest in the mid-18th century, with pioneers like John Lewis and settlers of Scots-Irish descent moving into the valleys. The area was carved from existing counties, Bath and Pendleton, and officially formed in 1847. During the American Civil War, the county's strategic location along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike made it a contested area, though no major battles like the Battle of McDowell or Battle of Cross Keys occurred directly within its borders. The Battle of McDowell was fought just to the south in neighboring Highland County. The arrival of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in the late 19th century briefly spurred economic activity, but the county remained largely isolated and agricultural.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 416 square miles, making it one of Virginia's smallest counties by area. It lies entirely within the Allegheny Mountain district of the Appalachian Mountains. The landscape is characterized by high ridges, deep valleys, and the headwaters of the Potomac River and James River, which form at the Eastern Continental Divide. Prominent peaks include Lantz Mountain and Jack Mountain, with elevations exceeding 4,000 feet. The county is bordered by Pendleton County, West Virginia to the north and Bath County, Virginia to the south. A significant portion of its western border is with West Virginia, specifically Pocahontas County and Randolph County.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 2,200, maintaining its status as the least populous jurisdiction in Virginia. The population density is approximately 5.3 people per square mile. The racial makeup is predominantly non-Hispanic white, with small populations of other groups. The largest community and county seat is Monterey; other unincorporated places include McDowell, Mustoe, and Blue Grass. Historically, population peaks occurred in the early 20th century before declining due to agricultural changes and a lack of industrial development, a trend common in many rural Appalachian counties.

Government and infrastructure

Highland County is governed by a three-member Board of Supervisors, with an elected Commonwealth's attorney, Sheriff, and Commissioner of the Revenue. It is part of the 6th Congressional District of Virginia, represented in the U.S. House by Ben Cline. The county is served by the Highland County Public Schools system. Critical infrastructure includes U.S. Route 250, which traverses the county east-west following the path of the historic Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, and State Route 84. Public safety is provided by the Highland County Sheriff's Office and volunteer fire departments.

Economy

The economy is primarily based on agriculture, particularly beef cattle farming and hay production. Timber harvesting from private forests is another traditional mainstay. In recent decades, tourism has grown into a significant sector, driven by the county's natural scenery and annual events. The most notable is the Highland County Maple Festival, a spring celebration of maple syrup production that attracts thousands of visitors. Other economic activities include small-scale artisan crafts, retail services in Monterey, and some telecommuting by residents. The county lacks major manufacturing or large-scale commercial industry.

Culture and recreation

The culture is rooted in its Appalachian heritage, with traditions of bluegrass music, square dancing, and local craftsmanship. The Highland County Maple Festival and the Highland County Fair are central annual events. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with extensive opportunities for hiking on trails in the George Washington National Forest, trout fishing in streams like the Bullpasture River, hunting for white-tailed deer and wild turkey, and birdwatching. The county's dark skies also make it a destination for amateur astronomy. Historical sites include the Highland County Museum in Monterey and several structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the McDowell Presbyterian Church.

Category:Highland County, Virginia Category:1847 establishments in Virginia Category:Appalachian counties