Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County, highlighted in map of Virginia

Prince Edward County is named after the younger brother of George III.

The county may be most famous for its decision to close the public school system between 1960-64, the ultimate weapon used to block desegrgation.

a monument acknowledging the school closings has been erected next to the statue honoring Confederate Heroes
a monument acknowledging the school closings has been erected next to the statue honoring "Confederate Heroes"

monument honoring Confederate Heroes on High Street in Farmville
monument honoring Confederate Heroes on High Street in Farmville

It is also the birthplace of Henry Draper, a medical doctor and astronomer who made some of the first photographs of the spectral lines of the stars and comets.

Presbyterian dissenters living in Prince Edward County founded Hampden Sydney College, to create an institution of higher education independent of Anglican-dominated William and Mary College in Williamsburg
Presbyterian dissenters living in Prince Edward County founded Hampden Sydney College, to create an institution of higher education independent of Anglican-dominated William and Mary College in Williamsburg
Source: Historical collections of Virginia, Hampden Sydney College (p.433)

Ruffner Hall, rebuilt after the 2001 fire, at Longwood University in Farmville
Ruffner Hall, rebuilt after the 2001 fire, at Longwood University in Farmville

Farmville is the county seat of Prince Edward County
Farmville is the county seat of Prince Edward County

Prince Edward courthouse, in Farmville
Prince Edward courthouse, in Farmville

Links

the South Side Railroad crossed the Appomattox River at Farmville, west of its High Bridge crossing
the South Side Railroad crossed the Appomattox River at Farmville, west of its High Bridge crossing
Source: Library of Congress, High Bridge and Farmville (1865)


Existing Virginia Counties
Virginia Places