Madison County, Virginia
Madison County stretches along the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, with Shenandoah National Park bordering its northern edge. The combination of mountains, forests, and open valleys gives the county some truly spectacular scenery.
Although it is close to Charlottesville, Madison County has managed to preserve its peaceful rural character. Farms and orchards fill the valleys, with apple growing being one of the area’s most important agricultural traditions. In the fall, visitors can enjoy the harvest and even pick fresh apples straight from local orchards.
Madison, the county seat, is home to a historic courthouse built in 1828 that continues to serve the community today. The county is also home to Montpelier, the ancestral home of President James Madison.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Madison County |
| County Seat | Madison |
| Population | Approximately 13,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Madison, Brightwood, Radiant, Rochelle |
| Interstates and Highways | US-29, VA-230, VA-231 |
| FIPS Code | 51-113 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 322 sq mi (Land: 321 sq mi; Water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Page County (Northwest), Rappahannock County (North), Culpeper County (East), Orange County (Southeast), Greene County (Southwest) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Virginia |
| Coordinates | 38.3921° N, 78.2636° W |
| Etymology | Named after James Madison, the 4th President of the United States |
| Major Landmarks | Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag Mountain, James Madison Museum |