National Register Listing

West Fork Furnace

VA 605, Floyd, VA
Local significance of the district:
Engineering; Historic - Non-aboriginal

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

During World War II, Virginia was the site of several major military installations, including the Norfolk Naval Base, the largest naval base in the world.
Virginia random facts
Floyd County, Virginia, is located in the southwestern part of the state and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Shawnee. European settlers began arriving in the late 1700s, primarily of Scots-Irish descent, and established farms and communities.

One of the key events in Floyd County's history was the establishment of the town of Floyd in 1831. The town grew rapidly due to its convenient location along the Old Wilderness Road, which was a major transportation route at the time. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further spurred economic growth and development in the county.

Floyd County also played a role in the Civil War. Although the county experienced relatively little fighting, it was affected by the conflict as soldiers from the area fought for both the Union and Confederacy. The county also served as a strategic supply route for Confederate forces.

In the later years of the 20th century, Floyd County experienced a resurgence as part of the larger Appalachian cultural revival. The county's natural beauty, arts and crafts, and traditional music drew visitors from around the country, leading to an increase in tourism and the establishment of various cultural festivals. Today, Floyd County remains a vibrant community that embraces its rich history while also embracing new opportunities for growth and progress.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Floyd County, Virginia.

  • 1770 - Floyd County is formed from Montgomery county
  • 1800s - The county's economy is primarily agricultural with tobacco and wheat farming
  • late 1800s - The Norfolk and Western Railway is established, boosting the local economy
  • early 1900s - Mining becomes an important industry, particularly for copper and iron ore
  • 1938 - Floyd County High School is built
  • 1960s - The county experiences a population decline due to the decline of the coal mining industry
  • 1970s - Tourism and craft industries begin to flourish
  • 1997 - The town of Floyd is officially incorporated
  • 2008 - The Floyd Country Store becomes a popular venue for live music and traditional Appalachian music