Bedford County, Virginia

Avenel Ballard, John D., House Bedford Historic District Bedford Historic Meetinghouse Bellevue Bellevue Rural Historic District (Additional Documentation) Big Otter Mill Brook Hill Farm Burks-Guy-Hagen House Cifax Rural Historic District Eldridge, Bowling, House Elk Hill Elks National Home Fancy Farm Hope Dawn Liberty Hall Locust Level Mount Airy New London Academy New Prospect Church Old Rectory Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church Otterburn Pleasant View Poplar Forest Rothsay Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church Thomas Methodist Episcopal Chapel Three Otters Twin Oaks Farm Woodbourne

1889 Thaxton Train Wreck A Community at "the Mons" A Transportation Corridor Abbott Lake Apple Orchard Mtn. Avenel Bedford Bedford Bedford County Confederate Monument Bedford County WWII Memorial Bedfords Volunteer Company Callaway-Steptoe Cemetery Colonial Fort Commemorating Lewis and Clark D-Day Monument Harry F. Byrd Memorial Bridge Home of John Goode How was the landscape partitioned? Hunter's Bivouac James River Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike New London Academy Peaks of Otter Peaks of Otter Peaks of Otter Road Plantation Worker Housing Polly Woods' Ordinary Poplar Forest Planting Memorandum 1812 Quaker Baptist Church Randolph-Macon Academy Robey W. Estes Sr. Plaza Smith Mountain Lake St. Stephen's Church The Moody Meeting House What happened to Poplar Forest after Jefferson's death? Why build the mounds? Why is the lawn sunken?

Bedford County, Virginia has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Monacan and Siouan, European settlers began arriving in the early 1700s. The area was officially established as Bedford County in 1754, named in honor of John Russell, the fourth Duke of Bedford. During the American Revolution, Bedford played a significant role, providing troops and supplies to the Continental Army.

In the 1800s, Bedford County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s brought increased economic opportunities, allowing the county to thrive. Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy during this time, with farmers producing tobacco, corn, and wheat.

During the Civil War, Bedford County faced many significant challenges. The area was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers, leading to conflicts and skirmishes throughout the war. One of the county's darkest moments came in 1864 when a group of Confederate soldiers from Bedford fought heroically at the Battle of Cold Harbor, sustaining heavy casualties. This event would later inspire the establishment of the National D-Day Memorial, honoring the members of the 29th Infantry Division who fought in World War II.

In the 20th century, Bedford County continued to grow and evolve. The establishment of the National Forest in the early 1900s brought conservation efforts to the area. The county also saw industrial development, with the growth of manufacturing and mining industries. Today, Bedford County remains a vibrant and thriving community, known for its natural beauty and historical significance.

Brief timeline of the history of Bedford County, Virginia:

1753 - Bedford County is formed as part of Lunenburg County
1761 - Part of Bedford County becomes part of Botetourt County
1786 - The town of Liberty is established as the county seat
1787 - Liberty is renamed Bedford
19th century - Bedford County experiences growth due to the expansion of the railroad
1944 - D-Day invasion: The National D-Day Memorial is erected in Bedford
2018 - Bedford County celebrates its 265th anniversary

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bedford County, Virginia.

Bedford County, Virginia

National Register Listings 31

Historical Markers 37

Brief timeline of the history of Bedford County, Virginia: