Bristol City, Virginia
Bristol is an independent city in southwestern Virginia, sitting right along the Tennessee border. Located in the Appalachian Highlands, it covers about 13 square miles and is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and mountain scenery.
The city is best known as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” thanks to the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions, which helped shape the future of country music. Visitors can explore this musical legacy at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Bristol also attracts racing fans from across the country to Bristol Motor Speedway, located just over the Tennessee line, where exciting NASCAR events take place. State Street is another popular spot, with shops, restaurants, and the famous marker showing exactly where Virginia and Tennessee meet.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Bristol City (Independent City) |
| Population | Approximately 17,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Bristol City |
| Interstates and Highways | I-81, US-11, US-19 |
| FIPS Code | 51-520 |
| Total Area | 13.0 square miles (12.9 sq mi land, 0.1 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (Direction) | Washington County (North), Sullivan County, Tennessee (South) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Virginia |
| Coordinates | 36.5951°N, 82.1887°W |
| Etymology | Named after Bristol, England |
| Major Landmarks | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Train Station, State Street (VA/TN border) |