SCOTT COUNTY

Scott County was formed by an act of the General Assembly on November 24, 1814, from parts of Washington, Lee, and Russell Counties, and was named for General Winfield Scott. Its area in 1830 was 24 square miles. Today, the county encompasses 539 square miles. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 23,403. Scott County is located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Appalachian Valley in the southwestern section of Virginia and borders the state of Tennessee. Gate City is the county seat with a population of 2,159. Scott County is served by five primary highways, U.S. 23, U.S. 58, VA 65, VA 71, and VA 72. The largest event in the county is the Duffield Daze Celebration. The two-day festival is held on Labor Day weekend.

Scott County is rich in heritage and adventure that can be traced to its roots when Daniel Boone traveled here in the 1700’s. The county also boasts two of Virginia’s most scenic rivers, the Clinch and Holston. Whether it’s visiting the 8th Wonder of the World”, Natural Tunnel State Park, retracing Daniel Boone’s footsteps along the Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Trail, or viewing an 1840’s mountain farmstead in action, The Homeplace Mountain Farm and Museum, the experience is sure to please. Natural Tunnel State Park offers camping facilities and a multitude of outdoor adventures. A replica of the Anderson Blockhouse, which was the last safe haven before entering Kentucky, is the newest attraction on the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail, and it is located at Natural Tunnel State Park. The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail is one of the nation’s most historic routes. The Homplace is a living history museum depicting an 1840’s farmstead in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. All of the structures are original buildings found throughout the county and relocated to the farm.

Scott County also offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, hunting, golfing, caving, and other outdoor related venues. The Jefferson National Forest borders the northern end of the county and offers over 93,000 acres of recreation. Numerous sites on the Daniel Boone Loop of Virginia’s Birding and Wildlife Trail are located within the county. Festivals are held throughout the year that feature the county’s heritage. Local artisans display their wares at these festivals - everything from apple butter to woodworking.

Scott County has a rich musical heritage evolving from being the home of the Carter Family Fold. Bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music are performed regularly. The sound of music echoes from the mountaintops to the valleys below. The Carter Family Music Center, or the "Fold" as it is affectionately called, is operated to honor Scott County's famous folks - the Carter Family, A.P., Sara, and Maybelle - pioneers in country music. The Carter Fold is a major anchor attraction on The Crooked Road. The festivals and events hosted at the Fold are family oriented and no alcohol is permitted. One such event is the annual music festival held the first weekend in August each year. There are other musical venues located throughout the county. Natural Tunnel State Park Amphitheater hosts several musical events during the year, and local communities also feature music shows from time to time. One favorite event at Natural Tunnel is the Pappa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival usually held on Labor Day weekend.