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Virginia is home to the oldest continuously operating legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, the Virginia General Assembly, which was established in 1619.
About Albemarle County
Albemarle County Timeline
Albemarle County, located in the heart of Virginia, has a rich history that spans over several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Monacan and Saponi peoples, who utilized the abundant resources of the region for hunting, fishing, and agriculture.
The county was officially established in 1744, named after William Ann Keppel, the second Earl of Albemarle and a former governor of Virginia. During the colonial era, Albemarle County prospered due to its fertile soils and thriving tobacco industry. With the arrival of European settlers, the native tribes were pushed out, and large tobacco plantations were established by wealthy landowners.
Albemarle County played a significant role in the American Revolution, with notable figures such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe among its residents. Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, called Albemarle County his home and famously founded the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, the county seat. The ideals of freedom and independence championed by these Founding Fathers greatly influenced the county's history.
In the decades that followed, Albemarle County diversified its economy, moving away from tobacco and embracing industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Today, the county has a vibrant and diverse community, with a strong focus on education and preservation of its historical sites. Visitors can explore Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's iconic plantation and the only UNESCO World Heritage site in the county, which stands as a testament to the area's rich history and its enduring significance in shaping the nation.
The county was officially established in 1744, named after William Ann Keppel, the second Earl of Albemarle and a former governor of Virginia. During the colonial era, Albemarle County prospered due to its fertile soils and thriving tobacco industry. With the arrival of European settlers, the native tribes were pushed out, and large tobacco plantations were established by wealthy landowners.
Albemarle County played a significant role in the American Revolution, with notable figures such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe among its residents. Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, called Albemarle County his home and famously founded the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, the county seat. The ideals of freedom and independence championed by these Founding Fathers greatly influenced the county's history.
In the decades that followed, Albemarle County diversified its economy, moving away from tobacco and embracing industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Today, the county has a vibrant and diverse community, with a strong focus on education and preservation of its historical sites. Visitors can explore Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's iconic plantation and the only UNESCO World Heritage site in the county, which stands as a testament to the area's rich history and its enduring significance in shaping the nation.
Albemarle County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Albemarle County, Virginia.
- 1744 - Albemarle County was officially founded.
- 1781 - Thomas Jefferson's Monticello was completed.
- 1825 - The University of Virginia was established in Charlottesville.
- 1865 - Albemarle County was occupied by Union troops during the American Civil War.
- 1935 - Shenandoah National Park, partly located in Albemarle County, was established.
- 1948 - The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority was created to provide water and sewer services to the county.