Augusta County, Virginia

Augusta County is a county in the Shenandoah Valley on the western edge of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The second-largest county of Virginia by total area, it completely surrounds the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. Its county seat is Staunton,[1] but most of the administrative services have offices in neighboring Verona.

Augusta County
U.S. county
The Augusta County Courthouse in March 2005
Flag
Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Virginia
Virginia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°12′N 79°06′W
Country United States
State Virginia
Founded1738
Named forPrincess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha
SeatStaunton
Largest communityStuarts Draft
Area
 • Total971 sq mi (2,510 km2)
 • Land967 sq mi (2,500 km2)
 • Water3.9 sq mi (10 km2)  0.4%
Population
 (2010)
 • Total73,750
 • Estimate 
(2018)
75,457
 • Density76/sq mi (29/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district6th
Websitewww.co.augusta.va.us

The county was created in 1738 from part of Orange County and was named after Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. It was originally a huge area, but many of its parts were carved out to form other counties and several states until the current borders were finalized in 1790.

As of the 2010 census, the county's population was 73,750, which represented an increase of more than 34% from 1990.[2] Along with Staunton and Waynesboro, it forms the Staunton–Waynesboro, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Augusta Stone Church built in 1749

Augusta County was formed in 1738 from Orange County, although, because few people lived there, the county government was not organized until 1745.[3] It was named for Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, Princess of Wales and mother of the future King George III of the United Kingdom.[4]

Originally, Augusta County was a vast territory with an indefinite western boundary. Most of what is now West Virginia as well as the whole of Kentucky were formed from it, and it also claimed the territory north and west of those areas, theoretically all the way to the Pacific Ocean.[4]

A series of maps show the formation and division of Augusta County from 1738 through 1791.[5]

Reductions in its extent began in 1770, when its southern part became Botetourt County. In 1776 part of western Augusta County, an area also known as the District of West Augusta, became Monongalia County, Ohio County, and Yohogania County (abolished in 1786). In 1778 the portion of Augusta County west of the Ohio River became Illinois County (abolished in 1784); the northeastern part of what was remained became Rockingham County, and the southwestern part was combined with part of Botetourt County to form Rockbridge County. In 1788 the northern part of the county was combined with part of Hardy County to become Pendleton County. Augusta County assumed its present dimensions in 1790, when its western part was combined with parts of Botetourt County and Greenbrier County to form Bath County.

During the Civil War, Augusta County served as an important agricultural center as part of the "Breadbasket of the Confederacy." The Virginia Central Railroad ran through the county, linking the Shenandoah Valley to the Confederate capital at Richmond. One of the bloodiest engagements fought in the Shenandoah Valley took place on June 5, 1864 at the Battle of Piedmont, a Union victory that allowed the Union Army to occupy Staunton and destroy many of the facilities that supported the Confederate war effort. Augusta County suffered again during General Philip H. Sheridan's "Burning," which destroyed many farms and killed virtually all of the farm animals.

Staunton, the county seat for many years, was incorporated as a city in 1871 and separated from Augusta County in 1902. However, it remained the county seat.

Geography
View of Augusta County countryside across the Shenandoah Valley toward the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Map of Augusta County and neighboring Counties.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 971 square miles (2,510 km2), of which 967 square miles (2,500 km2) is land and 3.9 square miles (10 km2) (0.4%) is water.[6] It is the third-largest county in Virginia by land area and second-largest by total area.

Adjacent counties and independent cities

Districts

The county is divided into seven magisterial districts: Beverley Manor, Middle River, North River, Pastures, Riverheads, South River, and Wayne.

School systems

The county is serviced by Augusta County Public Schools.

National protected areas

Regional park

Major highways
I-64 and I-81 in Augusta County

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
179010,886—
180011,7127.6%
181014,30822.2%
182016,74217.0%
183019,92619.0%
184019,628−1.5%
185024,61025.4%
186027,74912.8%
187028,7633.7%
188035,71024.2%
189037,0053.6%
190032,370−12.5%
191032,4450.2%
192034,6716.9%
193038,16310.1%
194042,77212.1%
195034,154−20.1%
196037,3639.4%
197044,22018.4%
198053,73221.5%
199054,6771.8%
200065,61520.0%
201073,75012.4%
2019 (est.)75,558[7]2.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790-1960[9] 1900-1990[10]
1990-2000[11] 2010-2013[2]

As of the Census[12] of 2000, there were 65,615 people, 24,818 households, and 18,911 families residing in the county. The population density was 68 people per square mile (26/km2). There were 26,738 housing units at an average density of 28 per square mile (11/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.02% White, 3.60% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. 0.94% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 24,818 households, of which 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.70% were married couples living together, 8.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.80% were non-families. 20.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.70% under the age of 18, 6.90% from 18 to 24, 29.80% from 25 to 44, 26.80% from 45 to 64, and 12.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 101.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $43,045, and the median income for a family was $48,579. Males had a median income of $31,577 versus $24,233 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,744. About 4.20% of families and 5.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.40% of those under age 18 and 6.60% of those age 65 or over.

Area Populations

According to the 2010 US Census data, below are the populations of the two towns and select unincorporated communities within Augusta County:

# Town Population
1 Grottoes 2,668
2 Craigsville 923

The majority of Grottoes is located in Rockingham County. Only seven of the town's 2,668 residents reside in Augusta County.[13]

# Unincorporated Community Population
1 Stuarts Draft 9,235
2 Fishersville 7,462
3 Verona 4,239
4 Weyers Cave 2,473
5 Crimora 2,209
6 Lyndhurst 1,490
7 Dooms 1,327
8 Swoope 1,323
9 Jolivue 1,129
10 Greenville 832
11 Fort Defiance 780
12 Sherando 688
13 Mount Sidney 663
14 Churchville 194

Government

Board of Supervisors
  • Beverley Manor district: Butch Wells (R)
  • Middle River district: Gerald W. Garber (R)
  • North River district: Jeffrey “Jeff” Slaven (R)
  • Pastures district: Pam L. Carter (R)
  • Riverheads district: Michael L. Shull (R)
  • South River district: Steven “Steve” Morelli (R)
  • Wayne district: Scott Seaton (R)

Constitutional Officers
  • Clerk of the Circuit Court: Steve Landes (R)
  • Commissioner of the Revenue: W. Jean Shrewsbury (R)
  • Commonwealth's Attorney: Tim Martin (R)
  • Sheriff: Donald L. Smith (I)
  • Treasurer: Richard T. Homes (R)

Augusta County is represented by Republican Emmett W. Hanger in the Virginia Senate, Republican John Avoili, Republican Ronnie R. Campbell, and Republican Chris Runion in the Virginia House of Delegates, and Republican Ben Cline in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[14]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2020 72.7% 30,714 25.6% 10,840 1.7% 724
2016 72.0% 26,163 22.5% 8,177 5.5% 2,003
2012 70.2% 23,624 28.1% 9,451 1.8% 597
2008 69.4% 23,120 29.5% 9,825 1.2% 393
2004 74.4% 22,100 23.6% 7,019 2.0% 585
2000 70.2% 17,744 26.3% 6,643 3.5% 884
1996 60.9% 13,458 27.0% 5,965 12.1% 2,679
1992 59.0% 12,896 23.7% 5,190 17.3% 3,780
1988 75.1% 13,251 23.7% 4,170 1.2% 213
1984 79.2% 15,308 20.2% 3,899 0.6% 116
1980 64.3% 11,011 30.4% 5,202 5.3% 907
1976 57.5% 8,452 38.3% 5,626 4.2% 614
1972 81.4% 9,106 15.8% 1,766 2.8% 309
1968 57.9% 6,313 18.6% 2,028 23.5% 2,559
1964 51.7% 4,327 48.2% 4,039 0.1% 6
1960 67.4% 4,034 32.0% 1,914 0.7% 41
1956 68.1% 3,466 29.1% 1,484 2.8% 142
1952 70.0% 3,414 29.8% 1,453 0.3% 12
1948 48.9% 1,690 39.2% 1,355 11.8% 409
1944 44.2% 2,319 55.5% 2,913 0.3% 15
1940 38.7% 1,768 60.8% 2,774 0.5% 22
1936 36.5% 1,668 62.8% 2,872 0.7% 31
1932 36.4% 1,541 61.5% 2,606 2.1% 90
1928 64.0% 2,679 36.0% 1,507
1924 38.7% 1,265 58.8% 1,920 2.5% 80
1920 44.0% 1,707 54.3% 2,106 1.7% 66
1916 32.0% 845 66.2% 1,751 1.8% 48
1912 22.9% 568 62.7% 1,556 14.4% 356

Economy

According to the county's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[15] the top employers in the county are:

# Employer # of Employees
1 Augusta County Public Schools 1,000+
2 Augusta Health 1,000+
3 McKee Foods 500-999
4 Hershey 500-999
5 Target 500-999
6 AAF-McQuay 500-999
7 Hollister Co. 250-499
8 Blue Ridge Community College 250-499
9 Augusta Correctional Center 250-499
10 Ply Gem 250-499

Communities

The independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro (incorporated as such in 1902 and 1948 respectively) are located within the boundaries of Augusta County, but are not a part of the county, despite Staunton's status as the county seat. Most county administrative offices, however, are located in Verona, rather than in Staunton.

Towns

Census-designated places

Other unincorporated communities

Notable people

See also

References
  1. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  2. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  3. Salmon, edited by Emily J.; Jr, Edward D.C. Campbell (1994). The Hornbook of Virginia History: A Ready Reference Guide to the Old Dominion's People, Places, and Past (4th ed.). Richmond: Library of Virginia. ISBN 0884901777.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  4. "History". Augusta County, Virginia. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  5. http://www.rootsweb.com/~vaaugust/maps.html
  6. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  7. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved Feb 4, 2021.
  8. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  9. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  10. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  11. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
  13. "Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions Datasets: Subcounty Resident Population Estimates: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  14. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 2020-12-08
  15. "Augusta County, Virginia Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, for the Year ended June 30, 2009" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-11-04.
  16. Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who. 1963.
  17. John Meriwether McAllister and Mrs. Lura May Boulton Tandy (1906). Genealogies of the Lewis and kindred families. Columbia, Missouri: E. W. Stephens Publishing Company.
  18. 'The History of Dubuque County,' Western Historical, 1880, Biographical Sketch of Thomas McKnight, pg. 975

Further reading

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