CARROLL COUNTY

Carroll County was formed in 1842. According to the 2000 Census, it has a population of 29,245. Hillsville is the county seat (population 2,607). Carroll County is situated on the North Carolina border. Interstate 77 and Routes 58 and 221 conveniently pass through the county. Carroll County is home to the Twin County Regional Airport, which offers charter service. Carroll County is the Gateway to Discovery and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The largest event in the county is the annual Hillsville VFW Gunshow & Flea Market. This is touted as the largest Flea Market East of the Mississippi, “Where Collectors Collect.” Since 1968, the event has grown to feature 2,500 vendors, and it attracts nearly 300,000 people. The four day affair is held the first weekend in September.

Nestled among the rolling hills at the crest of the Blue Ridge Plateau, Carroll County is the location of numerous major outdoor attractions and features. The most well-known is the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway which meanders through the county. The New River Trail State Park is another national treasure bordering the majestic New River. The county has two walking trails within the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail System. These include the Beaver Dam Creek Walking Trail and the Devils Den Nature Preserve: both offering spectacular scenery. The county is home to two Wildlife Management Areas that offer outdoor activity: Stewarts Creek and Crooked Creek. Without hesitation, Carroll County is spectacular when the leaves change colors in the fall.

Carroll County is a land of rural communities along and away from the main roads awaiting your get-away discoveries. The landscape is at the heart and soul of Carroll County. The land produces a wealth of fresh fruits and vegetables that can be found at the Southwest Virginia Farmers’ Market, along Cana’s famed “Produce Alley,” at the nearby Levering Orchards and at small market stands. The county is noted for its beef cattle, cabbage, and Christmas trees. There is a strong folk arts and craft industry in the county. The county is home to several excellent golfing facilities. The visitor can choose from a number of accommodations including motels, B&Bs, inns, cabins, and campgrounds. Historic attractions include the Carroll County Historical Museum, Harmon’s Museum, the Hillsville Historic District, a series of historic rock churches, and many older farms and buildings scattered throughout the county. A popular site is the Historic Carroll County Courthouse. This architecturally significant building was the scene of national attention when a gun battle erupted in the courtroom in March 1912.

Carroll County has a deep and rich music heritage that is intertwined with its landscape and people. Old-time, Bluegrass, and gospel music are regularly performed throughout the county. Passage of The Crooked Road through the county helps to commemorate this tradition of music. The Blue Ridge Music Center located along the Blue Ridge Parkway is situated on the edge of the county and is a must-see experience. Carroll County was home to several early pioneers of recorded music, that later evolved into country music. The most well known was the Ernest “Pop” and Hattie Stoneman Family. Others include J.P Nester, Norman Edwards, Ike and Haston Lowe, and Abe Horton. Though there were numerous better known performers, the basis of Carroll County’s heritage music is the fact that it was and is a dynamic part of everyday life. Music thrived within families and communities and has been passed from generation to generation. Of particular note is the fact that one community, in the vicinity of Pipers Gap, has been labeled by one authority as the greatest producer of musicians on a per capita basis east of the Rockies. Today music jam sessions take place on a regular basis at a number of public venues throughout the county. The best known is the weekly Wednesday night jam session at the VFW building in Hillsville. A good selection of this music has been recorded and is available for sale at the Heritage Shoppe in Woodlawn. The Blue Ridge Music Makers Guild promotes the creation and craft of musical instruments and compositions.