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Prince Edward County, Virginia

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Prince Edward County, Virginia
CountyPrince Edward County
StateVirginia
Founded1754
Named forPrince Edward, Duke of York and Albany
SeatFarmville
Largest townFarmville
Area total sq mi353
Area land sq mi349
Area water sq mi3.8
Population as of2020
Population total21,849
Population density sq miauto
Time zoneEastern
Webwww.co.prince-edward.va.us
District5th

Prince Edward County, Virginia. Prince Edward County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Established in 1754 from Amelia County, it was named for Prince Edward, Duke of York and Albany, the younger brother of King George III. The county seat is the independent town of Farmville, which lies at the heart of the county's cultural and economic life.

History

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Monacan and Manahoac. European settlement began in the early 18th century, with the county officially formed from a portion of Amelia County. During the American Revolutionary War, local militia were active, and the county later contributed soldiers to the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. A pivotal 20th-century event was the Farmville-based student strike at Robert Russa Moton High School in 1951, a key catalyst for the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. In a defiant response to mandated desegregation, the county's Board of Supervisors closed all public schools from 1959 to 1964, an event known as the Prince Edward County school closings, which drew national attention and intervention from figures like Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and led to the Supreme Court case Griffin v. County School Board of Prince Edward County.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 353 square miles, of which 349 square miles is land and 3.8 square miles is water. The county's topography is characterized by the rolling hills of the Piedmont region, with the Appomattox River forming part of its northern boundary. Major waterways include the Buffalo River and Saylers Creek, the site of the 1865 Battle of Sailor's Creek. The county is bordered by Buckingham County, Charlotte County, Cumberland County, and Nottoway County. A significant portion of land is part of the Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 21,849. The racial makeup was approximately 63.5% White, 28.7% Black or African American, and 4.1% identifying as two or more races. The population density was about 63 people per square mile. The largest community is the independent town of Farmville, home to Longwood University and Hampden–Sydney College, which significantly influence the demographic profile. Historical census data shows the profound impact of the mid-20th century school closings on population trends.

Government and politics

Prince Edward County operates under a board of supervisors form of government. The county is part of Virginia's 5th congressional district, currently represented in the U.S. House by Bob Good. At the state level, it lies within the 22nd Senate district and the 65th House district. The county sheriff, an elected constitutional officer, heads the Prince Edward County Sheriff's Office. Historically, the county was a Democratic stronghold but has trended toward the Republican Party in recent presidential elections, voting for Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020.

Economy

The economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly tobacco, soybeans, and cattle. The presence of Longwood University and Hampden–Sydney College is a major economic driver, providing employment and supporting local businesses. Farmville serves as a regional commercial hub, with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors. Notable employers include Centra Health and various operations related to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Tourism related to historical sites like the Robert Russa Moton Museum and outdoor recreation in the Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest also contributes.

Education

Public education is provided by Prince Edward County Public Schools. The system's history is forever marked by the Prince Edward County school closings. Higher education is anchored by Longwood University, a public institution, and Hampden–Sydney College, a private liberal arts college for men founded in 1775. The Robert Russa Moton Museum, located at the former Robert Russa Moton High School, is a National Historic Landmark dedicated to civil rights in education. The county is also served by the Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with Prince Edward County include Robert Russa Moton, educator and successor to Booker T. Washington at the Tuskegee Institute; John Peter Mettauer, a pioneering surgeon who founded the first medical school in Virginia; and Larry Hogan, former Governor of Maryland. Author Katherine Paterson was born in the county, and Jerry Falwell Sr., founder of the Moral Majority and Liberty University, was a native. Civil rights activist Barbara Johns led the 1951 student strike at Moton High School.

Category:Prince Edward County, Virginia Category:Virginia counties Category:1754 establishments in Virginia