A Brief History of Floyd County
According to lore, present day Floyd County was among the first areas explored when
Colonists began to push into the mountains of Virginia.In the mid-to-late
1600's,
expeditions began to map the area used as hunting-grounds by Indians,
including the Canawhay tribe. The first whites settled the area in the mid-18th
century.
By the 1790's, English, German, French, Scottish and Irish immigrants settled in what is
now Floyd County, establishing one of the first industries, Spangler's Mill. Such watermills still
symbolize the resourcefulness of residents, the importance of natural resources,
and living in touch with the land.
Coming onto the crest in what is now Floyd County, settlers were
often astounded by the natural beauty, particularly in the spring when the chestnut blooms
made a sea of white. Writing of their new plateau homeland, they often
referred to it as "our beautiful mountain. "
Land in the southwest portion of the county that was ceded by the Cherokee Nation
to the British in 1768 was, in turn, part of the large land grant made to Lighthorse
Harry Lee, father of Robert E. Lee and Charles Carter Lee. The latter moved to the
county and penned what is believed to be the first book written here, The Maid of the
Doe, a book of poetry about the Revolutionary War. Part of that Lee property,
Buffalo Mountain , is now a natural recreation area.
In 1831, Floyd County was established and was named for Governor John Floyd,
a native the Montgomery County, the parent County of Floyd.
Reflecting early and strong commitment to education in the community, the Jacksonville
Academy was established in 1846. The Academy served students from Floyd and surrounding
counties, and was locatedon the lotthat is
now Schoolhouse Fabrics.
Throughout the ninteenth and twentyeth centuries, agriculture dominated the local economy. Textile manufacturing rose and fell during this time. The construction of the Blue Ridge 
Parkway, during the Great Depression brought much needed work to the County, and
created a linear park and access way to introduce travelers to the arts,
crafts, and music of Floyd County. Mabry Mill , located in Floyd County, is one of the
most visited and photographed sites along the 469-mile length of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Rocky Knob recreation area along the Parkway also features hiking, camping and
panoramic views.
By the 1970's, back-to-the-landers seeking rural refuge discovered Floyd County. Many of the new residents were artists or artisans. In Floyd County, they found a land of
natural beauty, a unique geography
with all waters flowing out, rich hand-craft and music traditions, and open opportunities for
creative living. These same assets and the culture of creativity now attract many travelers to
Floyd, which has seen a dramatic increase in tourism. Sites of interest include: Chateau
Morrisette , The Country Store , The Jacksonville
Center , Floydfest , The Pickin' Porch ,
16 Hands , the June Bug Center , and the Harvest Moon . For more information,
see the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce website.
Zoning Development
Thanks in part to the natural, cultural and technological amenities (see Citizens, local
telecommunications cooperative), the population of Floyd County in 2000 was up 16% over
1990, to 13, 872 people. It was also labled "Explosive" growth by Co. Admin.
From the 1700's to now, as Americans still seek their own piece of ground, a better way of life,
and a safe place to be, they continue to re-discover Floyd County.
View a longer history here .
Thanks to our friends at floydcova.org for this brief history.