ABOUT VIRGINIA: AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA

Augusta County, Virginia nestles in the shadows of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountain chains, extending over 970 miles of VA’s breathtakingly beautiful Shenandoah Valley.  Formed in 1738 and named for the Princess of Wales, the Augusta County, VA borders originally reached all the way to the Mississippi River.  Today, Augusta County is Virginia’s second largest county in terms of land area.

Located within Augusta County’s borders are the two independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, with Staunton, VA designated as the county seat.  Census 2000 recorded Augusta County’s population as 65,615. Combined with the Staunton-Waynesboro metro areas, the population rises to more than 110,000.  The remainder of the region consists of quaint small towns and sleepy hamlets, such as Craigsville, Steele's Tavern and Stuart's Draft.  The community of Verona contains most of the Augusta County, Virginia administrative offices.

Augusta County, VA boasts a diverse economy, with manufacturing accounting for 30% of the jobs.  Governmental and trade service sectors are also strong, with the Augusta Correctional Center and Target retail stores being the top employers.  Other businesses located in Augusta County, VA include Hershey Foods Corporation, Alcoa, Inc., Nibco Piping, and Hollister Medical Products.

A strong agricultural region since its inception, Augusta County farmers sold more than $138 million of goods, (1997 Census of Agriculture data). The county ranks first in VA’s sheep, lamb, and beef industries.  The Augusta County, Virginia unemployment rate is 1.7%, significantly lower than both state and national averages.

Augusta County's natural scenic beauty attracts many tourists.  Easily accessed by Interstate 64 and several of Virginia’s fine state highways, Augusta County, VA delights visitors with its spectacular Skyline Drive, which leads into Shenandoah National Park.   Grand Caverns is America’s oldest ‘show cave’, with phenomenal stalagmites over 70 feet tall forming the famous Cathedral Hall.  Also found in Augusta County, VA are the Natural Chimneys, a stunning display of nature’s finest handiwork.  Visitors can come to Augusta County via the Blue Ridge Parkway, designated one of the finest All-American Roads.

Augusta County, Virginia retains a traditional spirit and awareness of its national heritage.  Steeped in colorful history, Augusta Count, VAy houses the Frontier Culture Museum and Augusta Expoland, where numerous arts, crafts and dance festivals occur.  Augusta County’s historic districts contain a variety of outstanding Bed and Breakfast Inns for immersion in the ambience of this lovely region.  Augusta County, VA offers a strong and stable environment, surrounded by the finest in natural splendor.

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