History of the County

County History

Dickenson County was formed in 1880 from Russell, Wise, and Buchanan Counties. The district was named for William J. Dickenson, a delegate to the general assembly, who played a major role in establishing the new county. This formation came as a result of demands from the inhabitants that they be represented by a county government closer to the people. In 1880, Delegate Dickenson sponsored the bill in the House of Delegates to establish Dickenson County as the one-hundredth county in Virginia. Dickenson County has since become known as "Virginia's Baby."

Development

The rough mountainous terrain has greatly influenced the development of the Dickenson County area. Early settlers located along stream beds where the best farm land was to be found. The streams also served as a much needed water supply to the pioneers. The first settlements in Dickenson County were Sandlick, Haysi, Holly Creek (Clintwood), and Nora. All of these communities were developed along the streams in the area.

For More Information

To learn more about the history of Dickenson County, contact the Board of Supervisors at (276) 926-1676.