Wise County, Virginia
Encyclopedia
Wise County is a county
located in the U.S. state
of Virginia
. In 1856, the county was formed from land taken from Lee
, Scott
, and Russell
Counties. It was named after Henry A. Wise
, who was the Governor of Virginia
at the time. As of 2010, the population was 41,452, making it the largest jurisdiction in terms of population outside of any metropolitan area in Virginia. Its county seat
is Wise
.
, the county has a total area of 405 square miles (1,050 km²), of which 404 square miles (1,046 km²) is land and 1 square mile (3 km²) (0.29%) is water. The county is part of the Appalachians and has many mountainous features, including the peak of High Knob
and Powell Valley
.
of 2000, there were 40,123 people, 16,013 households, and 11,513 families residing in the county. The population density
was 99 people per square mile (38/km²). There were 17,792 housing units at an average density of 44 per square mile (17/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.88% White
, 1.78% Black
or African American
, 0.16% Native American
, 0.30% Asian
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
, 0.26% from other races
, and 0.61% from two or more races. 0.73% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 16,013 households out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.20% were married couples
living together, 12.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.00% under the age of 18, 10.20% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.60 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $26,149, and the median income for a family was $32,898. Males had a median income of $28,983 versus $21,029 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $14,271. About 16.10% of families and 20.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.30% of those under age 18 and 12.30% of those age 65 or over.
Radio Stations
A large portion of the Jefferson National Forest is contained within Wise County, and the Clinch River
winds through the county. These two factors, combined with Wise County's location in the Appalachian Mountains
, mean that Wise County offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
In addition to many trails connecting to and surrounding the Appalachian Trail
system, Wise county is home to many parks, including Miners' Park in Big Stone Gap and the Louis E. Henegar Miners' Memorial Park in Appalachia.
Among the unique features of Wise County are High Knob
, a mountain which featured one of the last remaining Appalachian Fire Towers until its destruction by arson on October 31, 2007, and Wetlands Estonoa, an Appalachian Wetland and part of the Clinch River Watershed.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
located in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Virginia
Virginia
The 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...
. In 1856, the county was formed from land taken from Lee
Lee County, Virginia
According to the census 2009 estimates, there were 25001 people, 11,587 households, and 6,852 families residing in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile . There were 11,587 housing units at an average density of 25 per square mile...
, Scott
Scott County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 23,403 people, 9,795 households, and 7,023 families residing in the county. The population density was 44 people per square mile . There were 11,355 housing units at an average density of 21 per square mile...
, and Russell
Russell County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 30,308 people, 11,789 households, and 8,818 families residing in the county. The population density was 64 people per square mile . There were 13,191 housing units at an average density of 28 per square mile...
Counties. It was named after Henry A. Wise
Henry A. Wise
Henry Alexander Wise was an American politician and governor of Virginia, as well as a general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.-Early life:...
, who was the Governor of Virginia
Governor of Virginia
The governor of Virginia serves as the chief executive of the Commonwealth of Virginia for a four-year term. The position is currently held by Republican Bob McDonnell, who was inaugurated on January 16, 2010, as the 71st governor of Virginia....
at the time. As of 2010, the population was 41,452, making it the largest jurisdiction in terms of population outside of any metropolitan area in Virginia. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Wise
Wise, Virginia
Wise is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 3,286 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Wise County. It was originally incorporated as the town of Gladeville in 1874. The town's name was changed to Wise in 1924. Wise is named after Virginia governor Henry A...
.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 405 square miles (1,050 km²), of which 404 square miles (1,046 km²) is land and 1 square mile (3 km²) (0.29%) is water. The county is part of the Appalachians and has many mountainous features, including the peak of High Knob
High Knob
High Knob is the peak of Stone Mountain, and is part of a large mountain, or massif, in Wise County, Virginia near the city of Norton that rises to 4,223 feet above mean sea level.-Location:...
and Powell Valley
Powell Valley
Powell Valley in southwest Virginia, in the United States, is located near the city of Norton and the town of Big Stone Gap in Wise County, Virginia....
.
Adjacent counties and cities
- Letcher County, KentuckyLetcher County, KentuckyLetcher County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 25,277. Its county seat is Whitesburg. The county is named for Robert P...
- northwest - Pike County, KentuckyPike County, KentuckyPike County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2010, the population was 65,024. Its county seat is Pikeville. Pike is Kentucky's largest county in terms of land area. Pike County is the 11th largest county in Kentucky in terms of population preceded by Bullitt County and...
- north - Dickenson CountyDickenson County, VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 16,395 people, 6,732 households, and 4,887 families residing in the county. The population density was 49 people per square mile . There were 7,684 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile...
- northeast - Russell CountyRussell County, VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 30,308 people, 11,789 households, and 8,818 families residing in the county. The population density was 64 people per square mile . There were 13,191 housing units at an average density of 28 per square mile...
- east - Scott CountyScott County, VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 23,403 people, 9,795 households, and 7,023 families residing in the county. The population density was 44 people per square mile . There were 11,355 housing units at an average density of 21 per square mile...
- south - Lee CountyLee County, VirginiaAccording to the census 2009 estimates, there were 25001 people, 11,587 households, and 6,852 families residing in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile . There were 11,587 housing units at an average density of 25 per square mile...
- southwest - Harlan County, KentuckyHarlan County, KentuckyHarlan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1819. As of 2000, the population was 33,200. Its county seat is Harlan...
- west - Norton, VirginiaNorton, VirginiaNorton is an independent city within the confines of Wise County in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 Census, the city population was 3,958, making it the smallest city in the state by population...
– enclaved within the county
Major highways
U.S. Route 23
U.S. Route 58 Alternate
State Route 63State Route 63 (Virginia)Virginia State Route 63 is a primary state highway in the U.S. state of Virginia. The state highway runs from U.S. Route 58 Alternate in St. Paul north to SR 80 and SR 83 in Haysi.-Route description:...
State Route 72State Route 72 (Virginia)State Route 72 is a primary state highway in the southwest part of the U.S. state of Virginia. It runs from State Route 71 near Gate City north to State Route 65 at Fort Blackmore, northeast with SR 65 to Dungannon, and north via Coeburn to State Route 83 near Clintwood.-Description:Scott CountySR...
State Route 83State Route 83 (Virginia)Virginia State Route 83 is a primary state highway in the U.S. state of Virginia. The state highway runs from U.S. Route 23 Business in Pound east to the West Virginia state line in Paynesville, where the highway continues as West Virginia Route 83...
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
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 40,123 people, 16,013 households, and 11,513 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 99 people per square mile (38/km²). There were 17,792 housing units at an average density of 44 per square mile (17/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.88% 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...
, 1.78% 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...
, 0.16% 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...
, 0.30% 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...
, 0.01% 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...
, 0.26% 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. 0.73% 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 16,013 households out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.20% 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, 12.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.00% under the age of 18, 10.20% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.60 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $26,149, and the median income for a family was $32,898. Males had a median income of $28,983 versus $21,029 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 $14,271. About 16.10% of families and 20.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.30% of those under age 18 and 12.30% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
- AppalachiaAppalachia, VirginiaAppalachia is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,839 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Appalachia is located at ....
- Big Stone GapBig Stone Gap, VirginiaBig Stone Gap is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 5,643 at the 2010 census.-History:The community was formerly known as "Meneral City" and "Three Forks." The "Big Stone Gap" refers to the valley which has been created on the Appalachia Straight, located between...
- CoeburnCoeburn, VirginiaCoeburn is a town in Wise County, Virginia, along the Guest River. The population was 1,996 at the 2000 census with many small peaceful wooded communities in the outskirts. Camping is available nearby at Bark Camp Lake in the Jefferson National Forest with other activities including boating and...
- PoundPound, VirginiaPound is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,089 as recorded in the 2000 census.-Geography:Pound is located at ....
- WiseWise, VirginiaWise is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 3,286 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Wise County. It was originally incorporated as the town of Gladeville in 1874. The town's name was changed to Wise in 1924. Wise is named after Virginia governor Henry A...
- St. PaulSt. Paul, VirginiaSt. Paul is a town in Russell and Wise counties in the U.S. state of Virginia. The population was 1,000 people at the 2000 census.-Geography:St...
- The independent cityIndependent cityAn 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 NortonNorton, VirginiaNorton is an independent city within the confines of Wise County in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 Census, the city population was 3,958, making it the smallest city in the state by population...
lies within the confines of Wise County, but is not a part of the county.
Public schools
Wise County Public Schools operates seventeen school facilities in the county for over 7,000 students. For several years the Wise County School Board has considered consolidating high school, and in 2011 it voted to close its three smallest high schools and consolidate them into the three largest high schools. As of July 2011 the issue is tied up in a legal and financial dispute.Colleges and universities
- University of Virginia's College at WiseUniversity of Virginia's College at WiseThe University of Virginia's College at Wise is the liberal arts college of the University of Virginia, and a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, located in Wise, Virginia...
, WiseWise, VirginiaWise is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 3,286 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Wise County. It was originally incorporated as the town of Gladeville in 1874. The town's name was changed to Wise in 1924. Wise is named after Virginia governor Henry A... - Mountain Empire Community CollegeMountain Empire Community CollegeMountain Empire Community College is a two-year college located in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and is one of the 23 schools in the Virginia Community College System. The college serves residents of Dickenson, Lee, Scott, and Wise counties, as well as the City of Norton. The first classes were offered...
, Big Stone GapBig Stone Gap, VirginiaBig Stone Gap is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 5,643 at the 2010 census.-History:The community was formerly known as "Meneral City" and "Three Forks." The "Big Stone Gap" refers to the valley which has been created on the Appalachia Straight, located between...
Media
Newspapers- The Clinch Valley Times is a weekly newspaper serving CastlewoodCastlewood, VirginiaCastlewood is a census-designated place in Russell County, Virginia, United States. The population was 2,036 at the 2000 census. Castlewood was an incorporated town from 1991 to 1997, when it reverted to unincorporated status.-Geography:...
and St. Paul, VirginiaSt. Paul, VirginiaSt. Paul is a town in Russell and Wise counties in the U.S. state of Virginia. The population was 1,000 people at the 2000 census.-Geography:St...
, and the surrounding areas. - The Coalfield Progress http://www.thecoalfieldprogress.com is a biweekly newspaper covering news through the county.
- The Post also at http://www.thecoalfieldprogress.com is a weekly newspaper serving Big Stone Gap, VirginiaBig Stone Gap, VirginiaBig Stone Gap is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 5,643 at the 2010 census.-History:The community was formerly known as "Meneral City" and "Three Forks." The "Big Stone Gap" refers to the valley which has been created on the Appalachia Straight, located between...
and the surrounding areas.
Radio Stations
- WAXMWAXMWAXM is a Country and Bluegrass formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Big Stone Gap, Virginia, serving Southwest Virginia. Studios are located in Norton....
- WDXCWDXCWDXC is a Country formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Pound, Virginia.WDXC serves Pound, Clintwood, Norton, and Wise in Virginia and Jenkins and Whitesburg in Kentucky. WDXC is owned and operated by WDXC Radio, Inc.-External links:*...
- WGCK-FM
- WISE-FM (simulcast of WVTFWVTFWVTF is the flagship National Public Radio station for most of western Virginia. Owned and operated by Virginia Tech through its fundraising arm, the Virginia Tech Foundation, the station is licensed to Roanoke and operates a large satellite and translator network covering much of the western part...
) - WLSDWLSDWLSD is a Southern Gospel and Religious formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Big Stone Gap, Virginia, serving Big Stone Gap/Norton. WLSD is owned and operated by Valley Broadcasting and Communications, Inc.-History:...
- WNVA (AM)WNVA (AM)WNVA is a classic country formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Norton, Virginia, USA, serving Norton and Wise County, Virginia. WNVA is owned and operated by Radio-Wise, Inc.-FCC fines:...
- WNVA-FMWNVA-FMWNVA-FM is a Full Service formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Norton, Virginia, serving Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky. WNVA is owned and operated by Radio-Wise, Inc.-History:...
Natural and Outdoor Recreation
Clinch River
The Clinch River rises in Southwest Virginia near Tazewell, Virginia and flows southwest through the Great Appalachian Valley, gathering various tributaries including the Powell River before joining the Tennessee River in East Tennessee.-Course:...
winds through the county. These two factors, combined with Wise County's location in the Appalachian Mountains
Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains #Whether the stressed vowel is or ,#Whether the "ch" is pronounced as a fricative or an affricate , and#Whether the final vowel is the monophthong or the diphthong .), often called the Appalachians, are a system of mountains in eastern North America. The Appalachians...
, mean that Wise County offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
In addition to many trails connecting to and surrounding the Appalachian Trail
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately long...
system, Wise county is home to many parks, including Miners' Park in Big Stone Gap and the Louis E. Henegar Miners' Memorial Park in Appalachia.
Among the unique features of Wise County are High Knob
High Knob
High Knob is the peak of Stone Mountain, and is part of a large mountain, or massif, in Wise County, Virginia near the city of Norton that rises to 4,223 feet above mean sea level.-Location:...
, a mountain which featured one of the last remaining Appalachian Fire Towers until its destruction by arson on October 31, 2007, and Wetlands Estonoa, an Appalachian Wetland and part of the Clinch River Watershed.
Theater and the Arts
- The Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama is performed in Big Stone Gap, VirginiaBig Stone Gap, VirginiaBig Stone Gap is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 5,643 at the 2010 census.-History:The community was formerly known as "Meneral City" and "Three Forks." The "Big Stone Gap" refers to the valley which has been created on the Appalachia Straight, located between...
throughout the summer. It is the Commonwealth of Virginia's official outdoor drama. - The Pro-Art Association offers a variety of theatrical, musical, and fine-arts events throughout the school year. It is headquartered in WiseWise, VirginiaWise is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 3,286 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Wise County. It was originally incorporated as the town of Gladeville in 1874. The town's name was changed to Wise in 1924. Wise is named after Virginia governor Henry A...
. - The Wise County Summer Academy of Art, sponsored by Wise County Public Schools and funded in part by the Virginia Commission of Arts, provides fine arts programming for children throughout the summer months, including large scale productions and touring performance opportunities.
- The Appalachian Children's Theater (ACT) promotes performing arts and fine arts education for children in Southwest VirginiaSouthwest VirginiaSouthwest Virginia, often abbreviated as SWVA, is a mountainous region of Virginia in the westernmost part of the commonwealth. Southwest Virginia has been defined alternatively as all Virginia counties on the Appalachian Plateau, all Virginia counties west of the Eastern Continental Divide, or...
, Eastern Kentucky, and Northeast Tennessee. In 2006, the organization opened its newly renovated facility in Downtown WiseWise, VirginiaWise is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 3,286 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Wise County. It was originally incorporated as the town of Gladeville in 1874. The town's name was changed to Wise in 1924. Wise is named after Virginia governor Henry A...
. http://www.actshine.org/ - The Charles W. Harris Art Gallery is located on the site of the Wise County Public Library in WiseWise, VirginiaWise is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 3,286 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Wise County. It was originally incorporated as the town of Gladeville in 1874. The town's name was changed to Wise in 1924. Wise is named after Virginia governor Henry A...
.
Festivals and Fairs
- Clinch River Days takes place in St. PaulSt. Paul, VirginiaSt. Paul is a town in Russell and Wise counties in the U.S. state of Virginia. The population was 1,000 people at the 2000 census.-Geography:St...
each spring. http://www.clinchriverdays.org - The Virginia-Kentucky District Fair is held each summer in Wise.
- The Wise County Famous Fall Fling is an annual event held in Downtown WiseWise, VirginiaWise is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 3,286 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Wise County. It was originally incorporated as the town of Gladeville in 1874. The town's name was changed to Wise in 1924. Wise is named after Virginia governor Henry A...
. http://wisefallfling.com - Coeburn holds its annual Guest River Rally over the Labor DayLabor DayLabor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
weekend in September. - Appalachia Coal Railroad Days is held each summer in Appalachia.
- Pound Heritage Days is held annually the week before Labor Day in Pound.
Historical
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Wise County, VirginiaNational Register of Historic Places listings in Wise County, VirginiaThis list includes properties and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Wise County, Virginia. Click the "Map of all coordinates" link to the right to view a Google map of all properties and districts with latitude and longitude coordinates in the table below.-See...
- Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State ParkSouthwest Virginia Museum Historical State ParkThe Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is a Virginia museum, run as a state park, dedicated to preserving the history of the southwestern part of the state. It is located in Big Stone Gap, in a house built in the 1880s for Virginia Attorney General Rufus A. Ayers. The structure was...
- Wise County Courthouse
- High KnobHigh KnobHigh Knob is the peak of Stone Mountain, and is part of a large mountain, or massif, in Wise County, Virginia near the city of Norton that rises to 4,223 feet above mean sea level.-Location:...
Lookout Tower - Colonial HotelColonial Hotel (Wise, Virginia)Colonial Hotel in Wise, Virginia, also known as Inn at Wise Courthouse is a building built in 1910. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991....
- E. M. Fulton HouseE. M. Fulton HouseThe E. M. Fulton House in Wise, Virginia is a Colonial Revival Style house built in 1905. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.-References:...
External links
- Wise County, Virginia's Official Website
- Interactive Geographic Information System
- Wise County Church History DataBase
- A guide to Outdoor Recreation in Southwest Virginia