Henry County, Virginia
Henry County stretches along the North Carolina border in south-central Virginia, featuring the gentle hills and hardwood forests typical of the Piedmont region. The county once had a thriving furniture and textile manufacturing industry that played a major role in its economy.
Although those traditional industries have declined, Henry County has worked to build new opportunities for the future. Martinsville Speedway attracts NASCAR fans twice a year, while the New College Institute provides expanded educational and workforce development opportunities for the community.
Nature is another major attraction, with Philpott Lake offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and relaxing outdoors. Hiking trails in the mountains to the west provide even more ways to explore the landscape.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Henry County |
| County Seat | Martinsville |
| Population | Approximately 50,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Martinsville, Collinsville, Bassett, Ridgeway, Axton |
| Interstates and Highways | US-220, US-58, VA-57, VA-87 |
| FIPS Code | 51-089 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 384 sq mi (Land: 382 sq mi; Water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Franklin County (North), Pittsylvania County (East), Rockingham County, North Carolina (South), Stokes County, North Carolina (Southwest), Patrick County (West), Martinsville City (Enclaved) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Virginia |
| Coordinates | 36.6904° N, 79.8722° W |
| Etymology | Named after Patrick Henry, governor of Virginia and U.S. Founding Father |
| Major Landmarks | Martinsville Speedway, Philpott Lake, Virginia Museum of Natural History |