Augusta County, Virginia
Encyclopedia
As of the census
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 out 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.
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.
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 65,615 people, 24,818 households, and 18,911 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
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
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 3.60% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.15% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.28% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.32% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.61% from two or more races. 0.94% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 24,818 households out of which 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.70% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
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
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
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.
Incorporated towns
- CraigsvilleCraigsville, VirginiaCraigsville is a town in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 979 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Craigsville is located at ....
- GrottoesGrottoes, VirginiaGrottoes is an incorporated town in Augusta and Rockingham counties in the U.S. state of Virginia. The population was 2,114 at the 2000 census....
(partial)
Unincorporated communities
- ChurchvilleChurchville, VirginiaChurchville is a census-designated place in the western part of Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population as of the 2010 Census was 194. Churchville Elementary School is located there. It is home to the Churchville Public Library, part of the Augusta County Library Branch...
- CrimoraCrimora, VirginiaCrimora is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,796 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- DoomsDooms, VirginiaDooms is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,282 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- FishersvilleFishersville, VirginiaFishersville is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 4,998 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area...
- Fort DefianceFort Defiance, VirginiaFort Defiance is an unincorporated community in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.-History:Augusta Stone Church was established in the area now known as Fort Defiance in 1740...
- GreenvilleGreenville, VirginiaGreenville is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 886 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
- JolivueJolivue, VirginiaJolivue is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,037 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- LyndhurstLyndhurst, VirginiaLyndhurst is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,527 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- Mount SidneyMount Sidney, VirginiaMount Sidney is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia. The population as of the 2010 Census was 663....
- Mount SolonMount Solon, VirginiaMount Solon is an unincorporated community in Augusta County, Virginia, United States, southwest of Harrisonburg and northwest of Staunton. Mount Solon is located in the 6th US Congressional District. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Earliest Settlements...
- SherandoSherando, VirginiaSherando is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 665 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- Spring HillSpring Hill, VirginiaSpring Hill is an unincorporated community in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. It, like every other community in Augusta County, flourished in the early 1900s. Today, all that is left is a Presbyterian church, some abandoned storefronts, and some houses. It is part of the...
- Steeles TavernSteeles Tavern, VirginiaSteeles Tavern is an unincorporated community in Augusta County, Virginia. It lies at an elevation of 1683 feet ....
- Stuarts DraftStuarts Draft, VirginiaStuarts Draft is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 8,367 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area....
- Swoope
- VeronaVerona, VirginiaVerona is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 3,638 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- Weyers CaveWeyers Cave, VirginiaWeyers Cave is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,225 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area....
The independent cities
Independent city
An independent city is a city that does not form part of another general-purpose local government entity. These type of cities should not be confused with city-states , which are fully sovereign cities that are not part of any other sovereign state.-Historical precursors:In the Holy Roman Empire,...
of Staunton
Staunton, Virginia
Staunton is an independent city within the confines of Augusta County in the commonwealth of Virginia. The population was 23,746 as of 2010. It is the county seat of Augusta County....
and Waynesboro
Waynesboro, Virginia
Waynesboro, deriving its name from General Anthony Wayne, is an independent city surrounded by Augusta County in the U.S. state of Virginia. The population was 21,006 in 2010.....
(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.
Notable residents
- Thomas AdamsThomas Adams (politician)Thomas Adams was a politician and businessman from Virginia.Adams was born in New Kent County in 1730. His first political position was as a clerk of Henrico County, and later a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses...
, born in Augusta County, member of the Virginia House of Burgesses and signer of the Articles of ConfederationArticles of ConfederationThe Articles of Confederation, formally the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, was an agreement among the 13 founding states that legally established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states and served as its first constitution... - Robert AllenRobert Allen (Tennessee)Robert Allen was an American merchant and politician from Carthage, Tennessee. He represented Tennessee in the United States House of Representatives from 1819 until 1827.-Biography:...
, born in Augusta County, United States Congressman from TennesseeTennesseeTennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area... - George Caleb BinghamGeorge Caleb BinghamGeorge Caleb Bingham was an American artist whose paintings of American life in the frontier lands along the Missouri River exemplify the Luminist style. Left to languish in obscurity, Bingham's work was rediscovered in the 1930s...
(1811-1879), born in Augusta County, noted painter and State Treasurer of MissouriState Treasurer of MissouriThe State Treasurer of Missouri is a statewide elected official responsible for serving as Missouri's chief financial officer. The current State Treasurer is Clint Zweifel.-Duties of the State Treasurer:... - Gideon BlackburnGideon BlackburnGideon Blackburn was an American Presbyterian clergyman, educator and missionary to Cherokee and Creek nations, and college president...
(1772-1838), born in Augusta County, noted clergyman and founder of Blackburn College - Samuel Brown, born in Augusta County, noted surgeon and editor
- John Wilson CampbellJohn Wilson CampbellJohn Wilson Campbell was a U.S. Representative from Ohio, and a United States federal judge.Born near Miller's Iron Works, Augusta County, Virginia, Campbell attended the common schools.He taught school....
, born in Augusta County, United States Congressman from Ohio - William CampbellWilliam Campbell (general)William Campbell was a Virginia farmer, pioneer, and soldier. One of the thirteen signers of the earliest statement of armed resistance to the British Crown in the American Colonies, the Fincastle Resolutions, Campbell represented Hanover County in the Virginia House of Delegates...
, born in Augusta County, militia leader in the American Revolutionary WarAmerican Revolutionary WarThe American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the... - John ColterJohn ColterJohn Colter was a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition . Though party to one of the more famous expeditions in history, Colter is best remembered for explorations he made during the winter of 1807–1808, when Colter became the first known person of European descent to enter the region now known...
(c.1774–May 7, 1812(?)), born near Stuarts DraftStuarts Draft, VirginiaStuarts Draft is a census-designated place in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 8,367 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area....
, was a member of the Lewis and Clark ExpeditionLewis and Clark ExpeditionThe Lewis and Clark Expedition, or ″Corps of Discovery Expedition" was the first transcontinental expedition to the Pacific Coast by the United States. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson and led by two Virginia-born veterans of Indian wars in the Ohio Valley, Meriwether Lewis and William...
(1804−1806); best remembered for his 1807-1808 explorations as the first person of EuropeEuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an descent to enter the region now known as Yellowstone National ParkYellowstone National ParkYellowstone National Park, established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, is a national park located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, although it also extends into Montana and Idaho...
and the Grand Tetons - Samuel DoakSamuel DoakSamuel Doak was an American Presbyterian clergyman and educator, a pioneer in the movement for the abolition of slavery.He was born in Augusta County, Virginia, graduated from Princeton in 1775, studied theology, and was licensed to preach in 1777. He then migrated to the Holston valley, where he...
, (1749-1830), born in Augusta County, noted Presbyterian clergyman, founder of Washington College, the first college west of the Alleghenies, noted abolitionist - John H. FultonJohn H. FultonJohn Hall Fulton was a nineteenth century politician and lawyer from Virginia. He was the brother of Andrew S. Fulton....
, (died 1836), born in Augusta County, United States Congressman from VirginiaVirginiaThe Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there... - John P. GainesJohn P. GainesJohn Pollard Gaines was a U.S. military and political figure. He was a Whig member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Kentucky from 1847 to 1849, and he served as Governor of the Oregon Territory from 1850 to 1853, stepping down after a turbulent term in office.-Early...
, (1795-1857), born in Augusta County, United States Congressman from KentuckyKentuckyThe Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
and governor of the Oregon TerritoryOregon TerritoryThe Territory of Oregon was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from August 14, 1848, until February 14, 1859, when the southwestern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Oregon. Originally claimed by several countries , the region was...
. - John D. ImbodenJohn D. ImbodenJohn Daniel Imboden was a lawyer, teacher, Virginia state legislator. During the American Civil War, he was a Confederate cavalry general and partisan fighter...
, (1823-1895), born in Augusta County, member of the Virginia General AssemblyVirginia General AssemblyThe Virginia General Assembly is the legislative body of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, established on July 30, 1619. The General Assembly is a bicameral body consisting of a lower house, the Virginia House of Delegates, with 100 members,...
, Confederate Army cavalry general and partisanIrregular militaryIrregular military refers to any non-standard military. Being defined by exclusion, there is significant variance in what comes under the term. It can refer to the type of military organization, or to the type of tactics used....
fighter in the American Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. - "Irish" John Lewis (1678-1762), opened up what is now Augusta County to settlement.
- Thomas Lewis, Jr.Thomas Lewis, Jr.Thomas Lewis, Jr. January 26, 1760–1847) was an American politician from Rockingham County, Virginia. He represented Virginia in the U.S. House in 1803 and 1804.Thomas Jr...
, born in Augusta County, United States Congressman from Virginia. - William J. LewisWilliam J. LewisWilliam J. Lewis was a U.S. Representative from Virginia.Born in Augusta County, Virginia, Lewis attended the common schools.He served as member of the State house of delegates....
, (1766-1828), born in Augusta County, United States Congressman from Virginia. - Robert D. LilleyRobert D. LilleyRobert Doak Lilley was a Confederate brigadier general during the American Civil War. He served in most of the leading battles of the Army of Northern Virginia and led a brigade of infantry in the Shenandoah Valley in the last years of the war.-Early life and career:Robert D. Lilley was born near...
, (1836-1886), born in Greenville, Augusta County, Confederate Army general in the American Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. - Benjamin LoganBenjamin LoganBenjamin Logan was an American pioneer, soldier, and politician from Shelby County, Kentucky. As colonel of the Kentucky County militia of Virginia during the American Revolutionary War, he was second-in-command of militia in Kentucky. Logan was a leader in Kentucky's efforts to become a state...
, (c.1742-1803), born in Augusta County, United States Congressman from KentuckyKentuckyThe Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
. - George MathewsGeorge Mathews (Georgia)George Mathews was an United States planter, merchant, and pioneer from Virginia and western Georgia. He served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War then settled in Georgia. He served as the 20th Governor of Georgia, one term in the U.S...
, (1739-1812), born in Augusta County, later United States Congressman and Governor of Georgia. - Robert McKnight (c.1789-1846), born in Augusta County, moved to St. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
in 1809, member of a trading expedition under Zebulon PikeZebulon PikeZebulon Montgomery Pike Jr. was an American officer and explorer for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado is named. As a United States Army captain in 1806-1807, he led the Pike Expedition to explore and document the southern portion of the Louisiana Purchase and to find the headwaters of the Red River,...
to Santa Fe, New MexicoSanta Fe, New MexicoSanta Fe is the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is the fourth-largest city in the state and is the seat of . Santa Fe had a population of 67,947 in the 2010 census...
in 1812, captured by Spanish and imprisoned until 1821, eventually renounced his United States citizenship, moved to MexicoMexicoThe United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, and became owner of the Santa Rita del CobreSanta Rita, New MexicoSanta Rita is a ghost town in Grant County in the U.S. state of New Mexico. The site of El Chino copper mine, Santa Rita was located fifteen miles east of Silver City.-History:...
copper mine in Chihuahua (now New MexicoNew MexicoNew Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
). - Joel F. Salatin (b. 1957), founder, owner and manager of Polyface FarmPolyface FarmPolyface Farm is a farm located in rural Swoope, Virginia, United States, run by Joel Salatin and his family. The farm is driven using unconventional methods with the goal of "emotionally, economically and environmentally enhancing agriculture". This farm is where Salatin developed and put into...
, a holistic, beyond-organic meat and poultry farm in Swoope, Virginia. His farm employs biodynamicBiodynamic agricultureBiodynamic agriculture is a method of organic farming that emphasizes the holistic development and interrelationships of the soil, plants and animals as a self-sustaining system. Biodynamic farming has much in common with other organic approaches, such as emphasizing the use of manures and composts...
and permaculturePermaculturePermaculture is an approach to designing human settlements and agricultural systems that is modeled on the relationships found in nature. It is based on the ecology of how things interrelate rather than on the strictly biological concerns that form the foundation of modern agriculture...
methods of animal husbandry and distributes its produce through direct marketingDirect marketingDirect marketing is a channel-agnostic form of advertising that allows businesses and nonprofits to communicate straight to the customer, with advertising techniques such as mobile messaging, email, interactive consumer websites, online display ads, fliers, catalog distribution, promotional...
and local distribution. He was prominently featured in Michael PollanMichael PollanMichael Pollan is an American author, journalist, activist, and professor of journalism at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. A 2006 New York Times book review describes him as a "liberal foodie intellectual."...
's book The Omnivore's DilemmaThe Omnivore's DilemmaThe Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals is a nonfiction book by Michael Pollan published in 2006. In the book, Pollan asks the seemingly straightforward question of what we should have for dinner. As omnivores – the most unselective eaters – we humans are faced with a...
.
See also
- Augusta County Sheriff's Office
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Augusta County, Virginia
External links
- Augusta County official website
- Local News
- Valley Conservation Council
- Valley of the Shadow: Two Communities in the American Civil War
- Peyton's History of Augusta County, Virginia (1882), searchable online edition of the 1882 edition by J. Lewis Peyton.
- Waddell's Annals of Augusta County, Virginia, from 1726 to 1871, searchable online edition of the 1902 second edition by Jos. A. Waddell. Waddell wrote about people from all walks of life.
- Augusta County Resources, a Rootsweb page of historical and genealogical links and references, including maps.
- The Battle of PiedmontBattle of PiedmontThe Battle of Piedmont was fought June 5, 1864, in the village of Piedmont, Augusta County, Virginia. Union Maj. Gen. David Hunter engaged Confederates under Brig. Gen. William E. "Grumble" Jones north of Piedmont. After severe fighting, Jones was killed and the Confederates were routed...